Best Electric Hot Water Systems in 2024: Top 10 Ranked for Efficiency & Reliability

Choosing the best electric hot water system is not just about picking the cheapest tank or the biggest size. The right system depends on household size, number of bathrooms, shower habits, installation location, electrical supply, available space, water pressure, access and whether the old system kept up with demand.

Electric storage hot water systems remain a common choice for Australian homes because they are familiar, widely available and suitable for many like-for-like replacements. They can be a practical option for homes without natural gas or LPG, apartments, townhouses, family homes and properties where a storage tank setup already exists.

Installed Today helps customers compare electric hot water systems, including 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems, 400L electric hot water systems and broader hot water systems online.

Supply-only ordering is available across major Australian metro areas, with selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

Quick Answer

The best electric hot water system for most homes is the one that matches the household’s daily hot water demand and installation requirements.

As a general guide:

• 250L electric hot water systems may suit many small to medium households

• 315L electric hot water systems may suit medium to larger households or homes with higher shower demand

• 400L electric hot water systems may suit larger households, multiple bathrooms or heavier hot water use

• A compact electric system may suit small apartments, offices, granny flats or low-demand applications

• A heat pump may be worth comparing if you want an efficient electric storage-style alternative and the outdoor location suits

• Instant electric may suit point-of-use applications such as sinks, offices and kitchenettes, but not automatically whole-home shower use

If your old electric hot water system regularly ran out, do not automatically replace it with the same size. Review household demand before ordering.

What Is an Electric Hot Water System?

An electric hot water system uses electricity to heat water. The most common domestic type is an electric storage hot water system, where water is heated inside a tank and stored until needed.

Most electric storage systems include:

• A storage cylinder

• Electric heating element

• Thermostat

• Inlet and outlet connections

• Relief valve

• Temperature control requirements

• Insulation around the tank

• Plumbing and electrical connections

Electric storage systems are different from instant electric hot water systems, which heat water as it flows through the unit rather than storing hot water in a tank.

How Electric Storage Hot Water Works

An electric storage hot water system heats water inside a tank using an electric element. Once heated, the water is stored until someone turns on a hot tap, shower or appliance.

When hot water leaves the tank, cold water enters and is heated again.

Performance depends on:

• Tank size

• Element size

• Recovery rate

• Household demand

• Tariff or timer setup

• Water pressure

• Pipework

• Temperature settings

• Installation location

• Whether the system is correctly sized

A tank that is too small can run out. A tank that is too large may store more hot water than the home needs.

Electric Storage vs Instant Electric

Electric storage and instant electric systems suit different applications.

Electric Storage May Suit:

• Whole-home hot water

• Like-for-like tank replacements

• Homes without gas

• Apartments, townhouses and houses

• Regular shower use

• Households needing stored hot water

• Properties with suitable space for a tank

Instant Electric May Suit:

• Hand basins

• Small sinks

• Offices

• Kitchenettes

• Workshops

• Point-of-use hot water

• Low-demand fixtures

Instant electric is not automatically suitable for whole-home shower use. Some systems can require high electrical capacity, dedicated circuits or three-phase power depending on the application.

Customers comparing point-of-use options can browse instant electric hot water systems.

Best Electric Storage Hot Water Systems to Compare in 2024

There is no single best electric storage hot water system for every home. The right option depends on size, household demand, budget, access, installation location and whether you are replacing like-for-like.

Below are electric hot water options customers can compare through Installed Today.

1. Rheem 250L Electric Hot Water System

The Rheem 250L Electric Hot Water System may suit customers wanting a well-known electric storage option for small to medium household demand.

It may suit:

• Small to medium households

• Like-for-like 250L replacement

• Homes without gas

• Single bathroom or moderate-use homes

• Customers comparing recognised electric storage brands

A 250L system may not suit every household. If the old 250L unit ran out of hot water, consider whether a 315L or 400L option may be more practical.

2. Rheem Stellar 250L Electric Hot Water System

The Rheem Stellar 250L Electric Hot Water System may suit customers comparing premium 250L electric storage options.

It may suit:

• Homes wanting a 250L electric replacement

• Customers comparing Rheem electric storage systems

• Small to medium household demand

• Installations where the dimensions and connection points suit

• Customers wanting an electric tank from a well-known brand

Always check the product details, warranty terms, connection requirements and installation suitability before ordering.

3. Rinnai 250L Electric Hot Water System

The Rinnai 250L Electric Hot Water System may suit customers comparing a 250L electric storage unit from Rinnai.

It may suit:

• Small to medium homes

• Like-for-like 250L electric replacements

• Homes without gas

• Customers comparing Rinnai hot water systems

• Properties where a 250L tank suits daily usage

A 250L electric hot water system should be selected based on shower habits, household size and whether the previous system kept up.

4. Dux 250L Electric Hot Water System

The Dux 250L Electric Hot Water System may suit customers wanting a 250L electric storage option from Dux.

It may suit:

• Electric storage replacements

• Small to medium households

• Homes where 250L capacity is adequate

• Customers comparing common Australian hot water brands

• Properties with suitable space and electrical supply

Before ordering, confirm dimensions, connection points, access, electrical requirements and whether the tank size suits household demand.

5. Vulcan 250L Electric Hot Water System

The Vulcan 250L Electric Hot Water System may suit customers comparing a value-focused 250L electric storage option.

It may suit:

• Budget-conscious customers

• Like-for-like 250L replacements

• Small to medium homes

• Homes without gas

• Customers wanting a simple electric storage system

If hot water use is heavy, compare larger sizes before choosing another 250L unit.

6. Vulcan 315L Electric Hot Water System

The Vulcan 315L Electric Hot Water System may suit homes that need more stored hot water than a 250L system can provide.

It may suit:

• Medium to larger households

• Homes with higher shower use

• Properties where the old 250L system ran short

• Families with multiple users

• Customers wanting a larger electric storage option

A 315L system still needs suitable access, electrical supply, base or location, drainage and valve requirements.

7. Vulcan 400L Electric Hot Water System

The Vulcan 400L Electric Hot Water System may suit larger households or homes with heavier hot water demand.

It may suit:

• Larger families

• Multiple bathroom homes

• Homes with higher daily shower use

• Properties where a smaller electric tank was not enough

• Customers wanting a large storage electric option

A 400L system is larger and heavier, so installation location, access, base condition, valves and electrical requirements should be checked before ordering.

8. 250L Electric Hot Water Systems

The 250L electric hot water systems range may suit customers comparing standard household electric storage options.

A 250L system may be suitable where:

• Hot water use is moderate

• The household is small to medium

• The existing 250L unit performed well

• There is no regular bath use

• Showers are not excessively long

• Multiple showers are not used heavily back-to-back

A 250L electric hot water system can be a practical choice, but it should not be chosen automatically.

9. 315L Electric Hot Water Systems

The 315L electric hot water systems range may suit households needing more storage capacity.

A 315L system may be worth comparing where:

• A 250L unit previously ran short

• The home has more occupants

• Shower demand is higher

• More stored hot water is needed

• The property still suits electric storage

• A heat pump is not practical due to location, airflow or drainage

Tank size should be matched to real daily usage, not just household size.

10. 400L Electric Hot Water Systems

The 400L electric hot water systems range may suit larger homes with higher hot water demand.

A 400L system may be worth considering where:

• The household has multiple occupants

• Several people shower daily

• The home has multiple bathrooms

• A bath is used

• Back-to-back showers are common

• Smaller systems have previously run out

• Installation space and access are suitable

A larger tank can provide more stored hot water, but it also needs more space and may have a higher upfront product cost.

Electric Hot Water Size Guide

Sizing depends on actual hot water use.

As a general guide:

• Compact systems may suit sinks, offices, small apartments or very low-demand fixtures

• 250L may suit many small to medium households

• 315L may suit medium to larger households

• 400L may suit larger households or higher demand

Household size is only one part of the decision.

Also consider:

• Shower length

• Showerhead flow rate

• Whether showers run back-to-back

• Number of bathrooms

• Bath use

• Laundry hot water use

• Kitchen hot water use

• Incoming water temperature

• Recovery time

• Existing system performance

• Whether the old system ran out

If the old tank ran out, choosing the same size again may not solve the problem.

Electric Hot Water for 1 to 2 People

For one to two people, the right size depends on how the system is used.

A small household with short showers may suit a smaller electric storage system, while a household with long showers, a bath or high daily usage may need more capacity.

Compare:

• Compact electric systems where suitable

• 250L electric hot water systems for regular household use

• Instant electric hot water systems for low-demand point-of-use fixtures

Do not assume a very small system will suit regular shower use.

Electric Hot Water for 3 to 4 People

For three to four people, 250L or 315L systems are commonly compared, depending on shower habits and usage.

A 250L system may suit moderate use, while a 315L system may be more practical where:

• Showers are longer

• Multiple people shower close together

• A bath is used

• The old 250L unit ran short

• Hot water is used heavily in the kitchen or laundry

Electric Hot Water for 5+ People

Larger households often need more stored hot water.

Options to compare may include:

• 315L electric hot water systems

• 400L electric hot water systems

• Gas hot water systems where gas is available

• Instant gas hot water systems where gas pipe sizing and water pressure are suitable

• Heat pump hot water systems where outdoor space, airflow and drainage are suitable

For larger households, sizing should be checked carefully before ordering.

Electric Hot Water vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A heat pump hot water system is an efficient electric storage-style alternative that uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the tank.

Electric Storage May Suit:

• Simple like-for-like replacements

• Homes where outdoor heat pump placement is unsuitable

• Properties with limited airflow

• Homes where condensate drainage is difficult

• Customers wanting a familiar tank system

• Locations where noise placement is a concern

Heat Pump May Suit:

• Homes replacing older electric storage systems

• Customers wanting an efficient electric option

• Properties with outdoor space

• Locations with clear airflow

• Homes where condensate drainage can be managed

• Solar PV homes where timer operation suits usage

Customers comparing heat pumps can browse heat pump hot water systems, including medium heat pump hot water systems from 200L to 280L and large heat pump hot water systems over 280L.

A heat pump is not automatically best for every home. Outdoor location, airflow, drainage, electrical supply and noise placement all matter.

Electric Hot Water vs Gas Hot Water

Gas and electric systems suit different homes.

Electric Hot Water May Suit:

• Homes without natural gas or LPG

• Like-for-like electric replacements

• Customers wanting a familiar storage tank

• Properties where gas installation is not practical

• Homes where heat pump placement is not suitable

Gas Hot Water May Suit:

• Homes with natural gas or LPG

• Customers replacing an existing gas system

• Properties with suitable gas pipe sizing

• Homes with suitable water pressure

• Customers wanting gas storage or instant gas

Customers with gas can compare gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and 26L instant gas hot water systems.

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Electric Hot Water vs Solar Hot Water

Solar hot water uses roof-mounted collectors to heat water, usually with an electric or gas booster.

Electric Storage May Suit:

• Simpler replacements

• Homes where roof conditions are unsuitable

• Properties with shade or poor roof orientation

• Customers wanting a familiar system type

• Homes where solar installation complexity is not practical

Solar Hot Water May Suit:

• Homes with suitable roof orientation

• Minimal shading

• Suitable roof pitch

• Safe roof access

• Suitable roof structure

• Correct booster setup

• Practical maintenance access

Solar hot water is not suitable for every roof. STCs, rebates and incentives can change, so eligibility should be checked before choosing a system based on incentives.

Running Costs and Energy Use

Electric hot water running costs depend on more than the product.

They can be affected by:

• Household usage

• Shower length

• Tank size

• Tariff

• Element size

• Timer setup

• Heat loss

• Recovery frequency

• Installation location

• Maintenance condition

• Whether the system is correctly sized

A smaller tank is not always cheaper if it constantly runs out and reheats. A larger tank is not always better if the household does not need that much stored hot water.

The best result comes from choosing the right system type and tank size for the household.

Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Value

Electric storage systems can be affordable compared with more complex system changes, but the full cost depends on the product and installation requirements.

Consider:

• Product price

• Tank size

• Installation complexity

• Electrical work

• Plumbing work

• Valve upgrades

• Drainage

• Access

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Compliance requirements

• Ongoing energy use

• Warranty terms

• Maintenance

For supply-only orders, the product price generally covers the product only. Installation and site-specific extras are not usually included unless clearly listed or selected.

Warranty and Product Details

Warranty terms vary by brand, model, component and installation conditions.

Before ordering, check:

• Cylinder warranty

• Parts warranty

• Labour warranty where applicable

• Conditions and exclusions

• Installation requirements

• Anode maintenance requirements

• Water quality limitations

• Whether commercial use changes warranty conditions

Do not assume every model has the same warranty simply because it is the same brand or size.

Installation Requirements

Electric hot water system installation can involve plumbing and electrical work.

Licensed trades may need to check:

• Existing tank size

• New tank dimensions

• Base or platform condition

• Indoor or outdoor suitability

• Electrical supply

• Circuit requirements

• Isolation switch

• Pipework condition

• Water pressure

• Valves

• Drainage

• Tempering valve requirements

• Access for removal and replacement

• Compliance requirements

Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber where required. Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician where required.

Do not install or modify electric hot water systems yourself where licensed work is required.

Maintenance for Electric Hot Water Systems

Maintenance requirements depend on the system, water quality and manufacturer instructions.

Common checks may include:

• Checking for visible leaks

• Monitoring relief valve discharge

• Watching for rusty or discoloured water

• Listening for unusual noises

• Monitoring hot water performance

• Checking for reduced hot water volume

• Following manufacturer servicing guidance

• Checking sacrificial anode requirements where applicable

• Checking valves where required

If a system is old, leaking, rusty or no longer keeping up, replacement may be more practical than repair.

Installed Today is positioned as an online supplier of hot water systems, water filters and pumps, with selected supplied-and-installed options on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown. General repair diagnosis, emergency plumbing and ongoing servicing should be handled by licensed trades where required.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

In Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, electric hot water replacement can be affected by:

• Narrow side access

• Existing slab or base condition

• Indoor cupboard installations

• Apartment and body corporate requirements

• Electrical circuit suitability

• Existing valves

• Water pressure

• Drainage

• Tempering valve requirements

• Coastal exposure on the Gold Coast

• Old unit removal access

• Whether the old system kept up with demand

• Compliance upgrades

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible Installed Today products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

• Installation labour

• Plumbing alterations

• Electrical work

• New valves

• Pipework changes

• Drainage changes

• Tempering valve upgrades

• Pressure limiting valve upgrades

• Expansion control valves

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Compliance upgrades

• Concrete bases or slab work

• Relocation of the system

• Rebate administration

• Site assessment

For electric hot water systems, confirm tank size, dimensions, electrical supply, installation location, access, drainage and valve requirements with a licensed installer before ordering.

Common Electric Hot Water Buying Mistakes

Choosing the Same Size Without Reviewing Usage

If the old system ran out, replacing it with the same size may repeat the problem.

Choosing Only by Price

A cheaper system may not suit the home, access, dimensions, warranty expectations or household demand.

Ignoring Installation Access

A large tank may be difficult to deliver, remove or install if access is tight.

Not Checking Electrical Requirements

Some replacements may need electrical checks or upgrades.

Forgetting Valve and Compliance Requirements

Hot water replacement may require valves, drainage or compliance updates depending on the site.

Assuming Bigger Is Always Better

A larger tank provides more stored hot water but may cost more upfront and need more space.

Assuming Supply-Only Includes Installation

Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only unless installation is clearly selected or listed.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing an electric hot water system, check:

• How many people live in the home?

• How many bathrooms are used daily?

• Are showers used at the same time?

• Does the household use a bath?

• Did the old system run out of hot water?

• What size is the existing system?

• Is a 250L, 315L or 400L system more suitable?

• Is the installation indoor or outdoor?

• Is there enough space for the new tank?

• Is access suitable for delivery and removal?

• Is the base or platform suitable?

• Is electrical supply suitable?

• Are new valves required?

• Is a tempering valve required?

• Is drainage suitable?

• Is old unit removal included or separate?

• Is the product supply-only or supplied-and-installed?

• Has a licensed installer confirmed suitability?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best electric hot water system in 2024?

The best electric hot water system depends on your household size, usage, installation location and budget. Rheem, Rinnai, Dux and Vulcan electric storage systems are common options to compare through Installed Today.

What size electric hot water system do I need?

Size depends on the number of people, bathrooms, shower habits and whether hot water outlets run at the same time. Many households compare 250L, 315L and 400L electric storage systems.

Is a 250L electric hot water system enough?

A 250L system may suit many small to medium households, but it may not suit heavy shower use, multiple bathrooms or homes where the old 250L system ran out.

When should I choose a 315L electric hot water system?

A 315L system may suit medium to larger households, higher shower demand or homes where a 250L tank is not enough.

When should I choose a 400L electric hot water system?

A 400L system may suit larger households, multiple bathrooms, bath use or heavier daily hot water demand where installation space and electrical supply are suitable.

Is electric hot water cheaper than gas?

Not always. Running costs depend on electricity tariffs, gas prices, LPG bottle costs, household usage, system type and installation conditions.

Is a heat pump better than electric storage?

A heat pump may be more efficient in suitable conditions, but it needs outdoor space, clear airflow, condensate drainage, suitable electrical supply and careful noise placement. Electric storage may be simpler for like-for-like replacement.

Can I install an electric hot water system myself?

No. Electric hot water installation can involve plumbing and electrical work. Licensed trades should complete the work where required.

How long does an electric hot water system last?

Lifespan varies by brand, water quality, installation conditions, maintenance and usage. Check the product warranty and servicing requirements before ordering.

Does supply-only pricing include installation?

No. Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only. It does not usually include plumbing work, electrical work, valves, pipework changes, drainage, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless clearly listed.

Final Word

The best electric hot water system for your home is the one that fits your daily hot water use, installation location, electrical supply and budget.

A 250L system may suit many small to medium households. A 315L system may suit higher demand. A 400L system may suit larger families or homes with heavier hot water use. If you want an efficient electric alternative and have suitable outdoor space, a heat pump may also be worth comparing.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare electric hot water systems, 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems, 400L electric hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and broader hot water systems online.

For supply-only orders, confirm system size, installation requirements, electrical supply, access and compliance needs with licensed trades before purchasing.