Best hot water systems in Australia 2024

We’ve read hundreds of customer reviews so that you can enjoy a hot shower every single time.

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Tim Falk

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The best hot water systems in Australia

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews and key product features. For each category, we identified key parameters based on our research and then identified the hot water systems with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Dux Proflo

Best electric hot water system

Dux Proflo
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Available in a wide range of sizes
  • Made in Australia (80-400L models)

Cons

  • Some complaints about leakage problems
  • Some complaints about reliability issues

Why we chose it

If you need to replace an existing electric hot water storage system, there's a lot to like about the Dux Proflo. Available in a variety of sizes to suit the hot water needs of different households, the Proflo can be installed inside or out and comes with a 10-year tank warranty on most models in the range.

It's no stranger to positive reviews either, with an average score of 4.1/5 from over 400 customer ratings on productreview.com.au. With all these factors taken into account, the Dux Proflo takes the win here as the best electric hot water system for Aussie homes.

Available in 9 tank sizes ranging from 25 litres through to 400 litres, the Proflo is suitable for use in a wide variety of households. The 25-litre and 50-litre versions come with 7-year tank warranties, while all other sizes come with a 10-year tank warranty and 1-year parts and labour warranty.

Delivering full mains pressure, the Proflo can be installed indoors or out depending on your needs. Water connections on both sides of the tank ensure easy installation, and the larger models (80 litres to 400 litres) feature a rust-proof polymer base along with 50mm thick foam insulation.

And while the 25- and 50-litre models are made in a Noritz manufacturing facility, all other models in the Dux Proflo range are made right here in Australia. So if you're searching for a practical and versatile electric hot water system, the Dux Proflo is well worth a closer look.

Dux Prodigy 4

Best gas hot water system

Dux Prodigy 4
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Energy Ratings of 4.5 (135L) and 4.2 stars (170L)
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • There are more energy-efficient options available
  • Some buyers complain about pilot light issues

Why we chose it

Searching for the best gas water system for your home? We recommend checking out the Dux Prodigy 4. An energy-efficient performer, this gas hot water system is easy to install and is made right here in Australia.

The Prodigy 4 has also come in for its fair share of praise from Aussie consumers, with an impressive average score of 4.4/5 from over 120 customer ratings on productreview.com.au. As a result, it's our top pick as the best gas hot water system.

The Dux Prodigy 4 comes in 2 sizes – 135 litres and 170 litres. The 135L model is designed for households with 3-6 people and has an Energy Rating of 4.5 stars, while the 170L model suits 4-7 people and has an Energy Rating of 4.2 stars. There's also a Dux Prodigy 5 available that offers better energy efficiency, but it has much lower customer review scores than the Prodigy 4.

Available in both natural gas and LPG models, the Prodigy 4 features dual anodes for a longer tank life and delivers mains pressure hot water to your home. It doesn't require a power point, which means you'll still get hot water even if there's a power outage, and operates on a standard size gas line.

The Dux Prodigy 4 is backed by a 7-year tank warranty and a 1-year parts and labour warranty, and choosing this gas system also gives you the peace of mind that comes with buying an Australian-made product.

Hydrotherm Dynamic/X8

Hydrotherm Dynamic/X8
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 6-year warranty
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Review scores for noise level could be better
  • Not the only heat pump system featured in this guide

Buy now

Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability

Why we chose it

As you can see from some of the other products already featured above, there's no shortage of highly rated heat pump hot water systems out there. Another heat pump system that's well worth a look is the Hydrotherm Dynamic/X8.

This system has a 350% efficiency rating, can provide enough hot water to suit 3-6 people and is backed by a 6-year warranty. These features and its performance have seen the Hydrotherm Dynamic/X8 receive ample praise from Aussie consumers too, with this system boasting an average score of 4.8/5 from over 40 ratings on productreview.com.au. As a result, it takes the win as the best heat pump hot water system.

With a 260-litre tank capacity, the Hydrotherm system can heat water to up to 70°C and suits homes of up to 6 people. It can make a big difference to your annual energy bill, and can reduce your annual carbon production by 3 tonnes.

This system is also registered as an energy-efficient solar water heater with the Australian Government's Clean Energy Regulator, which means it's eligible for a rebate in the form of small-scale technology certificates. Hydrotherm offers these certificates as an upfront discount off the price of your hot water system, but the size of the discount varies depending on where you live.

Another big selling point of this system is that it's backed by a 6-year warranty. This includes cover for the tank and all parts and labour, providing added peace of mind for buyers and making the Hydrotherm Dynamic/X8 well worth a look if you're searching for the best heat pump hot water system.

Dux Always Hot Condensing Continuous Flow

Dux Always Hot Condensing Continuous Flow
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 6.7-star Energy Rating
  • 12-year heat exchanger warranty

Cons

  • Some customers complain about having to wait a while for water to get hot
  • There are cheaper options available

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for a tankless hot water system, we recommend checking out the Dux Always Hot Condensing Continuous Flow system. This compact and practical unit is energy efficient, delivers hot water as needed, and comes with a long warranty on the heat exchanger.

These features have seen the Dux Always Hot Continuous Flow system win over Aussie consumers, with the Dux boasting an average score of 4.3/5 from over 45 ratings on productreview.com.au. And that's why it's our number-one pick as the best tankless hot water system.

The basic premise of a tankless system is that it only heats water as required, rather than the less efficient approach of storing hot water in a tank. As a result, the Condensing Continuous Flow model has an Energy Rating of 6.7 stars, while there's also a Non-Condensing model with a 6.1-star efficiency rating.

The more energy-efficient Condensing models come in 21L/min and 26L/min capacities, both of which feature a dual heat exchanger design that captures excess heat to improve efficiency. This means that you should never run out of hot water, while the fact that these systems use electronic ignition means that there's no standby pilot light.

Natural gas and LPG models are available, while the heat exchanger is covered by a 12-year warranty that includes 3 years of cover for parts and labour. So if you think a tankless hot water system will be the best choice for your home, there are lots of good reasons why the Dux Always Hot Condensing Continuous Flow could be the perfect solution.

Joolca HOTTAP V2

Joolca HOTTAP V2
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Different kits to suit different needs

Cons

  • Some buyers complain about customer service issues
  • Some users report minor problems with leaking fittings

Why we chose it

If you're the type of person who prefers to have all the creature comforts when camping, a portable hot water system is a must. And if you're shopping for a camping hot water system, there are plenty of good reasons why you should check out the Joolca HOTTAP V2.

This portable unit gives you hot water anywhere you can take a gas bottle. It's easy to use, can be handheld or mounted, and boasts a stack of useful features. The HOTTAP V1 has picked up a lot of positive ratings on productreview.com.au, and V2 has an average score of 4.7/5 from over 75 Google reviews. With all this in mind, the Joolca HOTTAP V2 is our top pick as the best camping hot water system.

There are 3 different kits to choose from with the HOTTAP. The first is the Essentials Kit ($399), which is designed for use when you have access to pressurised water. It features the hot water unit, gas hose, detachable feet, gas connections, and two D-cell batteries along with a shower head, shower handle, 5 metres of hose and a magnetic shower handle holder.

The Outing Kit ($519) is designed for use on the road and adds a 12V pump, cigarette socket power cable, suction and outlet hoses, a 2-stage filter and filter collar to everything listed above.

At the top of the range is the Nomad Kit ($599), which is ideal for those who like going well and truly off-grid. It has all the same inclusions as the Outing Kit but also adds items like a sink, 2 drying rack lids, a faucet head and handle, and extra plumbing equipment.

Whichever kit you choose, the HOTTAP V2 features a 27,000BTU burner, a flow of up to 6L/minute, one-touch operation and a handy LED display. So regardless of whether you're camping close to civilisation or way off the beaten track, the Joolca HOTTAP V2 will soon be the first item you pack every time you hit the road.

iStore Air to Energy

iStore Air to Energy
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Government incentives and rebates available
  • Energy-efficient

Cons

  • A longer warranty would be a plus
  • Doesn't have as many reviews as some other systems on the market

Why we chose it

iStore Air to Energy is our choice as the best solar hot water system for a number of reasons. Not only is it highly rated by consumers on productreview.com.au, with an average rating of 4.9/5 from 26 customer ratings, but it also acts as a battery alternative and allows you to tap into your existing solar system.

Available in 180L and 270L models, the iStore can provide energy savings of more than 70% compared to electric storage. It works by taking excess energy from your home solar system and converting it into hot water using compressor technology. Instead of being sent back to the grid or to battery storage, the solar energy your system generates is put to use at home.

The iStore runs at 400% efficiency, and the company reports that when paired with Solar Roof Solar Power, its system can lower your water heating costs to as little as 11 cents per day. It can also reduce your carbon footprint, lowering the carbon emissions from your home by as much as 4 tonnes per year.

The 180L model is recommended for "water-conscious" households of up to 4 people, with the 270L version suited for homes with 5 or more residents. The iStore also offers 4 operating modes to suit different needs, including a hybrid mode for when you've got extra guests staying at your place for a short period.

Government incentives and rebates are also available if you replace your existing hot water system with an iStore Air to Energy, so check what sort of financial rewards are available where you live when deciding if this is the right hot water solution for your home.

EvoHeat EVO270

EvoHeat EVO270
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Reduces hot water costs by up to 75%
  • Government rebates available

Cons

  • Some buyers report that the unit is a little large
  • Some buyers report that it's a little noisier than expected

Buy now

Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability

Why we chose it

If you're searching for the best hot water system to provide reliable hot water all year round, it's hard to go past the EvoHeat EVO270. This heat pump hot water system can reduce your hot water costs by up to 75%, is simple to use and offers easy installation.

It's also picked up a stack of glowing reviews from Aussie buyers, with an average rating of 4.8/5 from over 400 reviews on productreview.com.au. As a result, the EvoHeat EVO270 is our top pick as the best overall hot water system.

Designed for domestic and commercial use, the EVO270 uses 1kW of energy to generate 4kW of heat. In a domestic setting, it can supply enough hot water for up to 6 people, and with its Hydro Power Boost function can produce up to 105 litres of hot water per hour.

Control of the system is handled by an intelligent touchpad and a built-in timer. This allows you to choose when the unit operates so that you can use the energy generated by your home solar system or take advantage of off-peak tariffs. For even better energy efficiency, there's also a vacation mode that minimises any unnecessary heating while you're away from home.

Of course, one of the other major benefits of a heat pump system is that you may be entitled to government rebates in the form of small-scale technology certificates. The EvoHeat EVO270 is registered with the Federal Government's Clean Energy Regulator as an energy-efficient hot water system, so check out what sort of financial incentives are available where you live before you buy.

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Methodology

25+
Brands considered
50+
Products compared
7
Best products chosen
  • We considered hot water systems from over 25 brands.
  • We chose our top picks based on key product features and reviews from real customers.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Why you can trust our picks

Every effort has been made to ensure a fair and balanced view of hot water systems of all types, and to suit all budgets.

We started our hunt for the best hot water systems in Australia by finding the highest-rated systems on productreview.com.au. We only considered hot water systems with 10 or more customer reviews.

We then compared these top-rated hot water systems against other products with high review scores, considering factors such as review comments, ease of use, capacity, energy efficiency and cost to choose our top picks.

In the "best camping hot water system" category, we also considered customer reviews on camping supplies retailer websites.

We compared hot water systems from the following brands:

  • Apricus
  • AquaMAX
  • Bosch
  • Chromagen
  • Companion
  • Dux
  • Eco Alliance
  • Envirosun
  • EvoHeat
  • Hydrotherm
  • iStore
  • Joolca
  • Kickass
  • Kings
  • Neopower
  • Quantum Energy
  • Rheem
  • Rinnai
  • Sanden
  • Smarttek
  • Solahart
  • SolarOz
  • Stiebel Eltron
  • Thermal Ark
  • Thermann
  • Vulcan
  • Wanderer
  • Wilson

Types of hot water systems

There are a few options to consider when choosing a new hot water system for your home:

  • Electric. Electric systems are commonly used around Australia. While they're cheap to buy and install, they're expensive to run. Different tariffs also apply depending on when you use your system, so taking advantage of off-peak rates can help you save money. You can install electric heaters either installed inside or outside.
  • Gas. Gas hot water systems are cheaper to run than electric systems, but cost more upfront. You also don't need to worry about peak and off-peak rates when using gas, as prices remain the same throughout the day. Gas hot water systems are available with a gas pilot light or electric ignition. While indoor installation is possible in some cases, they're usually installed outside.
  • Solar. Solar hot water systems feature solar panels, a water storage tank and a gas or electric booster to heat the water on days when there's not enough sun. Though they're expensive to buy and install, their low running costs will help you cover the extra upfront expenses over time. However, where you live, the size of your roof and its orientation, and whether you qualify for any government rebates can all affect whether or not solar is a good investment for you.
  • Heat pump. These heaters work in much the same way as reverse-cycle air conditioners – they extract heat from the surrounding air to heat water kept in a storage tank. Best suited to warm climates, they're much more energy-efficient and cheaper to run than traditional electric hot water systems. They cost more upfront, but government incentives are available in certain areas.

Storage vs continuous flow hot water systems

Next, you'll need to decide between a storage and a continuous flow hot water system.

Storage systems heat water and store it in a tank so it's ready for use whenever you need it. Available with electric, gas, solar and heat pump systems, they feature storage tanks made of copper, glass-lined steel or stainless steel. Stainless-steel tanks tend to have a longer lifespan and often come with longer warranties.

Also known as instantaneous systems, continuous flow hot water systems don't use a storage tank, but heat water as you need it. This means you won't run out of hot water, but they do take a little while for the water to warm up to your desired temperature, so there can be a little more water wastage.

However, continuous flow systems generally require less maintenance than storage systems and can run on gas or electricity.

How to compare hot water systems

In terms of upfront costs, electric hot water systems are the cheapest to buy.

  • Electric hot water systems generally cost around $350-$1,800.
  • If you go with gas, you're looking at somewhere between $700 and $2,200.
  • Solar hot water systems generally range from $2,000 up to $7,500.
  • Heat pump hot water heaters tend to fall in the $2,500-$5,000 price range.

Don't forget that you'll also need to factor the installation costs for each type of system into your calculations, so ask your supplier for a detailed quote.

Consider the following factors when comparing the pros and cons of different hot water systems.

Size

It's essential to choose the right size hot water system for your home to ensure that it operates efficiently and you never run out of hot water. However, different types of systems are sized in different ways. Storage and solar hot water systems are sized based on the number of people in your home. Continuous flow hot water systems, on the other hand, are sized based on the number of hot water outlets in your home, so you'll need to consider the system's flow rate (measured in litres per minute).

It all depends on the energy source and type of system you choose, so ask your supplier for advice on the right size for your home.

Household water usage

The right size hot water system for your home will also vary depending on the amount of water you use. As a very rough guide, somewhere between 40 and 60 litres per person per day is a good starting point.

However, the following factors can affect your households useage:

  • How long each family member showers for, and how often
  • How many loads of washing you do per day
  • Whether you wash clothes using hot or cold water
  • Whether you wash dishes in a dishwasher or in the sink

Energy usage and running costs

Heating water accounts for around 25% of the energy used in Australian households, so it's important to install an energy-efficient hot water system. Electric storage, gas storage and gas instantaneous heaters in Australia must all satisfy Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements. However, there's no requirement for water heaters to display an Energy Rating Label.

To give you an idea of the expense involved in running a hot water system, Sustainability Victoria outlines the estimated annual energy costs for households. Natural gas boosted solar systems have the cheapest ongoing cost, while electric hot water systems are the most expensive to run.

Three things to consider

Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a hot water system:

  1. Plan ahead. A hot water system is one of those things you often forget is there – until it suddenly stops working. When your existing system quits, you'll need to get a new one installed as quickly as possible. That doesn't leave a lot of time for researching and shopping around, so it's a good idea to start comparing hot water systems before you need to make an urgent purchase.
  2. Government incentives. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for government rebates or small-scale technology certificates when you install an eligible solar or heat pump system. Check with the relevant department of your state or territory government for more details.
  3. How to cut costs. In addition to choosing an energy-efficient system, there are several other things you can do to reduce costs. These include installing a low-flow shower head, getting the system serviced regularly and washing clothes in cold water when possible. Our energy-saving guide also has lots of other useful tips to help you reduce your power bills.

Frequently asked questions

Best rated hot water system award breakdown

Rheem 8 4.36 4.02 4.36 4.26 4.28
Rinnai 7.92 4.32 4.08 4.18 4.18 4.34
Thermann 7.87 4.32 4.14 4.29 4.39 4.36
Vulcan 7.84 4.23 4.08 4.15 4.46 4.38
AquaMAX 7.64 4.08 4.36 4.16 4.12 4.32
Dux 7.41 4.02 4 4.16 3.96 3.96
Bosch Hot Water & Heating 7.35 3.94 3.89 4.09 4.14 4.06
Solahart 7.17 3.83 3.83 4.08 4.04 4.13
Other 6.35 3.45 3.36 3.27 3.64 3.45
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

Previous Retail Awards

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Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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