Which Rinnai Hot Water System is Best for Your Home?

Rinnai Continuous Flow Gas Hot Water Systems

If your home has a natural gas connection, a continuous flow system is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Unlike traditional storage tanks, a continuous flow system heats water on demand as it passes through the unit. There’s no tank, no stored water sitting around losing heat, and (most importantly) no issues with hot water running out.

Rinnai’s continuous flow range is compact, wall-mounted, and designed to save both space and energy. Every model in our range carries a 6-star energy rating, making them among the most efficient instant gas hot water systems available in Australia. They also feature Rinnai’s Puretemp temperature control technology, which delivers safe, consistent water temperature at every tap.

We carry three models, each suited to a different household size.

Rinnai B16: Best for Single-Bathroom Homes

The Rinnai B16 Continuous Flow is the entry point to Rinnai’s continuous flow range, and it punches well above its weight. With a 16-litre-per-minute flow rate and a 6-star energy rating, it’s the most energy-efficient 16L continuous flow system on the Australian market.

It’s ideal for apartments, units, granny flats, or any single-bathroom home where only one outlet is typically running at a time. If you’re a couple or a single-person household, the B16 delivers everything you need without paying for capacity you won’t use.

Rinnai B20: Best for 1–2 Bathroom Homes

The Rinnai B20 Continuous Flow steps things up with a 20-litre-per-minute flow rate, again backed by a 6-star energy rating. It’s designed for small to medium homes and can comfortably handle one bathroom, even stretching to service two if required.

The B20 sits in that sweet spot between the compact B16 and the higher-capacity B26. If you’ve got a growing household or occasionally run a tap and a shower at the same time, this is a solid middle-ground option that won’t blow your budget.

Rinnai B26: Best for Larger Homes

The Rinnai B26 Continuous Flow is Australia’s most popular continuous flow hot water system, for good reason. At 26 litres per minute, it’s the most energy-efficient 26L unit on the market, making it the go-to choice for families.

It comfortably services 1–2 bathroom homes, and in Perth’s warm climate, it can handle up to three. If you’ve got a busy household where multiple showers, taps, or appliances run at the same time, the B26 has the capacity to keep up without dropping pressure or temperature.

Rinnai Electric Storage Hot Water Systems

Not every home has a natural gas connection and that’s where Rinnai’s electric storage range comes in. These systems work by heating water in an insulated tank, keeping it ready for use whenever you need it. They connect to mains pressure, so you’ll get strong, consistent flow from every tap and shower in the house.

Electric storage systems tend to have a lower upfront cost than continuous flow units, and installation is straightforward since there’s no gas fitting involved. They’re a practical, reliable choice for homes that run on electricity.

Rinnai 125L Electric: Best for Small Households

The Rinnai 125L Electric Hot Water System is designed for smaller households of two to three people. With 125 litres of mains-pressure hot water on tap, it handles daily showers, washing up, and laundry without issue.

It’s a great fit for couples, downsizers, or small families who want a simple, cost-effective hot water solutions without the complexity of gas. If your hot water needs are modest and predictable, the 125L does the job reliably.

Rinnai 160L Electric: Best for Medium Households

The Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System bumps capacity up to 160 litres, making it suitable for households of three to five people. It delivers the same mains-pressure performance as the 125L, just with more hot water in reserve.

For medium-sized families who don’t have access to gas (or prefer the simplicity of electric) the 160L is a dependable choice that balances capacity with affordability.

Continuous Flow vs Electric Storage: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between continuous flow gas and electric storage comes down to a few key factors. Here’s how they compare:

If your home has gas and you want lower long-term running costs with unlimited hot water, continuous flow is the clear winner. If you don’t have gas or you’re working to a tighter upfront budget, electric storage is the practical option.

One thing worth noting for Perth homeowners: our warm climate means continuous flow systems perform at the upper end of their capacity range year-round. A B20 that might only suit one bathroom down in Melbourne can comfortably handle two up here. That’s a genuine advantage when sizing your system.

How to Choose the Right Rinnai System for Your Perth Home

Still not sure which way to go? Here’s a quick guide based on household size:

• 1 bathroom or 1–2 people: Rinnai B16 (gas) or Rinnai 125L Electric
• 1–2 bathrooms or 2–4 people: Rinnai B20 (gas) or Rinnai 160L Electric
• 2–3 bathrooms or 3+ people: Rinnai B26 (gas)

Beyond household size, consider your home’s gas availability, the location where the unit will be installed, and your existing plumbing setup. Every home is different, and what works perfectly for your neighbour might not be the right fit for yours.

The best approach is to have a licensed plumber assess your home and recommend the right system based on your specific needs. That’s exactly what we do.

Not sure which system suits your home? The team at Proud Plumbing & Gas can assess your needs and recommend the right Rinnai system, book an installation today.

Why Choose Proud Plumbing & Gas for Your Rinnai Installation?

We’re licensed plumbers and gas fitters servicing the entire Perth metro area, from Mandurah to Two Rocks. When you book a Rinnai installation with us, here’s what you get:

• $0 call out fee: no hidden charges just to get a quote
• Same-day installation available: because a cold shower waits for no one
• Full supply, installation, and servicing: we handle everything from start to finish
• 24/7 emergency plumbing: if your current system fails, we can get to you fast
• Expert gas fitting: essential for any continuous flow installation

We don’t just sell hot water systems, we install them every day. That hands-on experience means we know which Rinnai system works best for different home setups across Perth, and we’ll give you an honest recommendation based on what your household actually needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Rinnai hot water systems last?

Rinnai continuous flow systems typically last 15–20 years with regular servicing. Electric storage systems generally last 10–15 years. Rinnai backs their systems with strong warranties, up to 12 years on heat exchangers for domestic use.

Can I switch from electric storage to continuous flow gas?

Yes, provided your home has a gas connection. Proud Plumbing & Gas can handle the full changeover, including gas fitting and removal of your old unit.

How much does it cost to install a Rinnai hot water system in Perth?

Installation costs vary depending on the system type, your home’s existing setup, and whether gas fitting is required. Contact Proud Plumbing & Gas for a free, no-obligation quote.

What size Rinnai system do I need for a 3-bedroom house?

For most 3-bedroom Perth homes with 1–2 bathrooms, the Rinnai B20 or B26 continuous flow is ideal. If you don’t have gas, the Rinnai 160L electric storage is a solid choice.

Is Rinnai a good brand for hot water systems in Australia?

Rinnai is one of Australia’s most trusted hot water brands, known for Japanese-engineered reliability, high energy ratings, and comprehensive warranty coverage. They’ve been operating in Australia for over 50 years.