Rinnai vs Rheem vs Bosch: which hot water brand is best?

These are the three brands we install and repair most often across Melbourne. We see how they perform in the real world, in all kinds of Melbourne homes, water conditions and climates. Here's our honest assessment of each, plus what Victoria's 2027 gas changes mean for your choice.

Brand overview

Brand	Origin	Best known for	Warranty	Price range
Rheem	Australian brand since 1936 (Japanese-owned)	Electric and gas storage, solar	Varies by model*	Mid to premium
Rinnai	Japanese	Gas continuous flow	Varies by model*	Mid to premium
Bosch	German	Continuous flow (including electric instantaneous) and heat pumps	Varies by model*	Mid to premium

*Warranty varies by model and part. Check the manufacturer's warranty for the exact model.

Rinnai vs Rheem continuous flow, and Bosch vs Rinnai

Rinnai vs Rheem continuous flow: both make gas continuous flow units for Australian homes. In our experience Rinnai has the edge on continuous flow, while Rheem is stronger on storage systems. The bigger differences usually come from choosing the right size for your household, the gas supply to the house and correct installation, not the badge on the front.

Bosch vs Rinnai tankless: Bosch's continuous flow systems compete with Rinnai's top models but usually cost more, and some parts can take longer to get in Melbourne. Bosch's range also includes electric instantaneous (tankless) units and heat pumps, which may suit homes moving off gas.

Rheem

Rheem is one of Australia's best-known hot water brands and has been here since 1936. In our experience their storage systems, both gas and electric, are among the most widely installed in Melbourne, which means parts and service are readily available. Their solar systems are also well regarded.

Rheem storage systems are reliable across the board. Their continuous flow range is competitive but, in our experience, Rinnai has a slight edge in that category. Rheem's biggest advantage is parts availability. If something needs replacing, parts are easy to get, so repairs are usually quick.

Flow Now view on Rheem: our top pick for electric and gas storage systems. Good value, widely supported, and parts are everywhere. The Stellar gas storage range is particularly popular with Melbourne families.

Rinnai

In our experience Rinnai is the leading name in gas continuous flow (instantaneous) hot water, and for good reason. Their Infinity range is efficient, reliable and very well built. If you want a gas continuous flow system and gas is still an option for your home, Rinnai is our first recommendation.

Rinnai's storage systems are also solid, and their heat pump range has improved in recent years. In our experience the brand has strong after-sales support in Victoria, and their warranty claims process is straightforward to deal with.

Flow Now view on Rinnai: our top pick for gas continuous flow. The Infinity range is hard to beat for reliability and running efficiency.

Bosch

Bosch sits at the premium end of the three, and their products reflect that: high build quality, more sophisticated technology and typically a higher price tag. Their continuous flow systems are excellent and compete directly with Rinnai's top models. Bosch's range also includes electric instantaneous units and heat pumps.

The main considerations with Bosch are price and parts. Premium models cost more upfront, and for some models, parts can be harder to source quickly in Melbourne compared with Rheem or Rinnai. That said, for the right customer Bosch is a top-tier choice.

Flow Now view on Bosch: a strong option if you want premium build quality, including if you're going down the electric instantaneous or heat pump path. Ask your licensed plumber which Bosch models suit your home. For gas, it competes closely with Rinnai at a higher price.

Gas or electric? Victoria's 2027 change

From 1 March 2027, if the gas hot water system in an existing Victorian home breaks down and can't be repaired, it has to be replaced with an electric system, such as a heat pump, electric storage or electric instantaneous unit. There are some exemptions, for example where there's no suitable space, the switchboard would need upgrading, or the unit is still under warranty. New homes have to be all-electric from 1 January 2027.

So if you're comparing Rinnai vs Rheem continuous hot water, or Bosch vs Rinnai, it's worth asking whether a gas unit is still an option for your home before you pick a brand. Repairs to an existing gas system are still fine. Your licensed plumber can tell you what applies to your place. The Victorian Government has the full details, including any rebates that may apply. Flow Now Plumbing doesn't handle rebate claims.

Source: Victorian Government, energy.vic.gov.au

The verdict: which brand should you choose?

Our recommendation by system type

• Gas storage: Rheem. Best parts availability, great reliability, strong warranty. (Only where gas is still allowed for your home. See Victoria's 2027 change above.)

• Gas continuous flow: Rinnai. In our experience the leader in this category. (Only where gas is still allowed for your home.)

• Heat pump: Bosch is a strong option for premium build quality. Ask your licensed plumber which models are currently available.

• Solar: Rheem. A long track record in Australia and an excellent support network.

• Budget option: Rheem electric storage. Reliable, well supported and usually the lowest upfront cost.

All three brands are solid choices, and any of them will serve you well with proper installation and maintenance. The brand matters less than choosing the right system type for your home. Flow Now Plumbing repairs, replaces and installs all hot water system types and brands, so call 0410 924 363 and we'll help you work out what suits your place.