Vulcan 135L 4-Star Gas Hot Water Review: Is It Worth It?

The Vulcan 135L 4-Star gas hot water system is a compact gas storage option for households that want a familiar tank-style gas replacement without moving to instant gas, electric storage or heat pump hot water. It is commonly compared by homeowners, landlords and property managers replacing older 130L or 135L gas storage systems.

For customers comparing products online, the Vulcan 4-Star 135L Natural Gas Hot Water System and Vulcan 4-Star 135L LPG Gas Hot Water System sit in Installed Today’s 130/135L Gas Hot Water Systems range as practical compact gas storage options.

The main appeal is straightforward: a known hot water brand, compact storage capacity, natural gas and LPG options, and a familiar replacement pathway for homes already set up for gas storage hot water. The main thing to get right is choosing the correct gas type, tank size and installation setup.

Quick Answer

Best for: small to medium households wanting a compact gas storage replacement

Common use: replacing older 130L or 135L gas storage hot water systems

Gas options: natural gas and LPG models must be selected correctly

Main advantage: simple, familiar tank-style gas hot water

Main limitation: not as efficient as premium 5-star gas storage or some heat pump options

Best categories to compare: 130/135L Gas Hot Water Systems, Gas Hot Water Systems, Vulcan Hot Water Systems and Hot Water Systems

What Is the Vulcan 135L 4-Star Gas Hot Water System?

The Vulcan 135L 4-Star is a gas storage hot water system. It heats and stores water inside a tank so the home has hot water ready for showers, taps, kitchens, laundries and everyday use.

Unlike an instant gas system, it does not heat water only as it flows through the appliance. It stores a set volume of hot water, then reheats as hot water is used.

This makes it a practical choice for homes that already have a gas storage system and want a like-for-like style replacement. It can also suit rental properties, townhouses and smaller family homes where a compact gas storage tank is enough for the household’s daily demand.

Who Is the Vulcan 135L Best Suited To?

The Vulcan 135L gas storage system is best suited to homes that:

are replacing an older 130L or 135L gas storage unit
want a compact tank-style gas hot water system
already have natural gas or LPG available
have moderate daily hot water demand
do not need a larger 170L or 270L gas storage system
prefer a familiar storage system over instant gas
want a practical value-focused Vulcan option
have a suitable outdoor installation location

It may not be the best option for large families, homes with multiple bathrooms used heavily, long back-to-back showers, high bath use, or customers wanting the lowest possible running costs.

If your home needs more storage, compare the 160/170L Gas Hot Water Systems category before ordering.

Natural Gas vs LPG Vulcan 135L Models

The Vulcan 135L must be ordered in the correct gas type. Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable.

Choose the Vulcan 4-Star 135L Natural Gas Hot Water System if the property is connected to a natural gas supply.

Choose the Vulcan 4-Star 135L LPG Gas Hot Water System if the property uses bottled LPG.

Ordering the wrong gas type can delay installation, create extra costs or require a product change. Before ordering, confirm the property’s gas type with your licensed installer.

Vulcan 135L Key Features

Key features include:

135L gas storage capacity
4-star gas storage design
Natural gas and LPG model options
Compact tank-style hot water system
Suitable for outdoor installation where requirements are met
Steel cylinder construction
Protective cylinder lining
Sacrificial anode protection
Familiar replacement pathway for older gas storage systems
Practical value-focused Vulcan product positioning
Supply-only ordering or selected supplied-and-installed options where available

The main benefit is simplicity. The Vulcan 135L is not trying to be the most advanced hot water system. It is a practical gas storage unit for homes that want a compact, familiar replacement.

Long-Term Use: What Homeowners Usually Notice

In long-term use, the Vulcan 135L is usually valued for being straightforward, familiar and practical. Gas storage systems are simple for many households to understand because they work like a traditional tank: heat, store and use.

Homeowners usually notice:

ready-to-use stored hot water
simple operation
familiar gas storage replacement style
compact size compared with larger storage systems
dependence on correct tank sizing
the need to choose the correct gas type
ongoing valve and anode maintenance requirements
higher gas use than some higher-efficiency options
limited stored volume compared with larger tanks

The Vulcan 135L works best when it replaces a similar-sized gas storage system that already suited the household. If the old 135L tank regularly ran out of hot water, another 135L unit may not solve the problem.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

The Vulcan 135L is a 4-star gas storage system. It can be a practical everyday option, but it should be compared honestly against other gas and non-gas alternatives.

Running costs are affected by:

gas type
natural gas tariff or LPG bottle cost
daily hot water usage
number of people in the home
shower length
tank size
system location
water temperature settings
maintenance condition
valve condition
how often the tank reheats

Gas storage systems keep a tank of water hot, so they can have standing heat loss. Instant gas systems heat water only when a tap is running, while heat pumps use electricity to move heat from the air into water.

This does not make Vulcan 135L a bad choice. It means it should be chosen for the right reason: practical gas storage replacement, not maximum energy efficiency.

Vulcan 135L vs Larger Vulcan 170L Gas Storage

The Vulcan 135L is the smaller option. The Vulcan 170L gives more stored hot water and may suit homes with higher demand.

Choose the Vulcan 135L if:

the old 135L system was large enough
the household has moderate hot water use
space is limited
you want a compact gas storage replacement
you do not need a larger tank

Choose the Vulcan 170L if:

the household has higher hot water demand
the old 135L system struggled
there are more people in the home
showers often run back-to-back
you want extra storage capacity

A larger system can help with hot water availability, but it may also cost more upfront and use more energy if oversized. The right size depends on household use, not just the number on the tank.

Vulcan 135L vs Instant Gas Hot Water

The Vulcan 135L and an instant gas hot water system work differently.

The Vulcan 135L stores hot water in a tank. It provides a ready supply of hot water until the stored volume is used, then it needs to recover.

An instant gas system heats water as it flows through the unit. It does not store a tank of hot water, but it must be sized correctly for flow demand.

If you want a compact wall-mounted unit and the property can support it, compare Instant Gas Hot Water Systems. If you want a familiar storage-style replacement, the Vulcan 135L may suit better.

Vulcan 135L vs Rheem 135L Gas Storage

The Vulcan 135L is commonly compared with Rheem 135L gas storage systems because Vulcan is part of the wider Rheem hot water family and is often positioned as a value-focused option.

A Rheem 135L gas storage system may appeal to customers wanting the main Rheem brand. A Vulcan 135L may appeal to customers wanting a practical gas storage option at a sharper price point.

When comparing the two, check:

gas type
tank size
warranty terms
product dimensions
installation location
availability
price
household suitability
whether supplied-and-installed is available
whether your installer prefers one model for the site

The best option is not always the most expensive one. It is the one that suits the home, gas type, household demand and installation conditions.

Vulcan 135L vs 5-Star Gas Storage

A 5-star gas storage system may offer better energy efficiency than a 4-star unit, but it usually costs more upfront and may have different sizing and installation requirements.

The Vulcan 135L may suit customers who want a practical, value-focused 4-star gas storage replacement.

A 5-star gas storage system may suit customers who want a higher-efficiency storage option and are prepared to pay more upfront.

If energy efficiency is the main goal and the property still suits gas storage, compare 5-Star Gas Hot Water Systems before deciding.

Vulcan 135L vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A heat pump hot water system can offer lower running cost potential than gas storage in suitable homes, especially where rooftop solar is available.

However, heat pumps need outdoor space, clear airflow, drainage, electrical suitability and sensible noise placement. They also cost more upfront than many basic storage replacements.

The Vulcan 135L may be better if:

the property is already set up for gas storage
the customer wants a simple replacement
the budget is focused on upfront cost
the household has moderate demand
the installation location already suits gas storage

A heat pump may be better if:

the customer wants lower running cost potential
the home has rooftop solar
there is suitable outdoor space and airflow
the customer wants to move away from gas
the property suits electrical hot water upgrades

For broader comparisons, browse Installed Today’s full Hot Water Systems range.

Supply Only vs Supplied and Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering for customers who already have their own licensed installer arranged. Supply-only pricing is for the product only and does not include installation, valves, gas work, electrical work, pipework changes, drainage work, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless those options are clearly selected or shown on the product page.

Supplied-and-installed options may be available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, location, gas type, access, existing setup, gas supply, pipe sizing, valves, required extras and site requirements.

Before ordering supply only, make sure your licensed installer has confirmed the correct gas type, system size, installation location, access, connection positions, valve requirements and compliance needs.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Buying Context

For Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, the Vulcan 135L can be a practical replacement where the property already has a small gas storage system and the household wants a familiar tank-style unit.

Local homes should check:

whether the property uses natural gas or LPG
whether the old unit was 130L, 135L, 170L or another size
whether the old system supplied enough hot water
whether the installation location still suits a gas storage tank
whether ventilation and clearances are suitable
whether valves need replacing
whether pipework changes are required
whether access allows delivery and positioning
whether supplied-and-installed is available for the address
whether supply only is preferred because a licensed installer is already arranged

A compact gas storage replacement can be straightforward, but gas type and site requirements still need to be checked carefully.

Common Vulcan 135L Issues to Watch For

Common issues with gas storage hot water systems can include:

pilot light problems
no hot water
not enough hot water
slow recovery after heavy use
water leaking from valves
excessive discharge from the relief valve
rust or corrosion around fittings
gas supply issues
burner or thermostat problems
anode wear
tank age and corrosion
hard water scale build-up

Some issues are age-related. Others are caused by water quality, poor maintenance, faulty valves or installation conditions.

A licensed gas fitter or plumber should inspect gas storage hot water problems. Homeowners should not attempt gas repairs themselves.

Maintenance and Reliability

The Vulcan 135L is designed as a practical storage hot water system, but it is not maintenance-free.

Maintenance considerations include:

checking for leaks around valves and fittings
watching for unusual burner or pilot issues
checking for changes in hot water quantity
monitoring relief valve discharge
keeping the system accessible
following sacrificial anode maintenance requirements
booking licensed servicing when needed
having gas work completed only by licensed professionals

The sacrificial anode helps protect the tank from corrosion. Its service life depends on water quality and usage, so it should not be ignored.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before ordering the Vulcan 135L, check:

whether the property uses natural gas or LPG
whether the existing system is also 135L
whether the old system supplied enough hot water
whether a 170L gas storage system should be compared
how many people live in the home
how many bathrooms are used daily
whether showers are short or long
where the system will be installed
whether access is suitable
whether valves need replacing
whether gas pipework is suitable
whether drainage and discharge points are suitable
whether supply only or supplied and installed is needed
whether your installer has confirmed suitability

This helps avoid ordering the wrong gas type, wrong tank size or wrong system for the property.

Is the Vulcan 135L Worth It?

The Vulcan 135L is worth considering if you want a practical, compact gas storage hot water system and the property already suits gas storage.

It is a good option when:

you are replacing an old 130L or 135L gas storage unit
you want a familiar storage-style system
the household has moderate hot water use
the property already has natural gas or LPG
you want a value-focused Vulcan option
you do not want to switch to instant gas or heat pump hot water
the installation location suits a gas storage tank

It may not be the right option if:

your household regularly runs out of hot water
you need a larger 170L system
you want the lowest possible running costs
you want to move away from gas
your property is better suited to instant gas
your home has rooftop solar and suits heat pump hot water
your gas type or installation location is uncertain

For many smaller to medium gas-connected homes, the Vulcan 135L remains a sensible everyday gas storage replacement.

Long-Tail FAQs

Is the Vulcan 135L gas hot water system good for a family?

The Vulcan 135L can suit some small to medium households with moderate hot water use. It may not suit larger families, long showers, multiple bathrooms used close together or heavy bath use. If the old 135L system struggled, compare a 170L model before ordering.

Should I choose Vulcan 135L natural gas or LPG?

Choose natural gas if the property is connected to a natural gas supply. Choose LPG if the property uses bottled LPG. The two models are not interchangeable, so the gas type must be confirmed before ordering.

Can the Vulcan 135L replace my old gas storage system?

In many cases, yes, especially if the old system was a similar 130L or 135L gas storage unit. Your licensed installer still needs to check gas type, dimensions, valves, pipework, access, clearances and compliance requirements.

Is the Vulcan 135L better than instant gas hot water?

The Vulcan 135L is better if you want a familiar tank-style gas storage replacement. Instant gas may be better if you want a compact wall-mounted system and the property has suitable gas supply, pipe sizing and flow demand.

Is a 4-star gas storage system still worth buying?

A 4-star gas storage system can still be worth buying when the priority is a practical, familiar replacement. If energy efficiency is the main priority, compare 5-star gas storage, instant gas and heat pump options before deciding.

Does the Vulcan 135L need regular maintenance?

Yes. Like other gas storage systems, it needs valve checks, general servicing and sacrificial anode maintenance over time. Maintenance helps protect the tank, improve reliability and reduce the chance of avoidable failures.

Can I buy the Vulcan 135L supply only?

Yes. Supply only is suitable if you already have your own licensed installer arranged. The product price is for the unit only and does not include installation, gas work, valves, disposal, pipework changes or compliance upgrades unless selected separately.

Can I order the Vulcan 135L supplied and installed?

Supplied-and-installed options may be available on selected Vulcan 135L products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the address, access, gas type, existing setup, pipework, valves and required extras.

Final Word

The Vulcan 135L 4-Star gas hot water system is a practical compact gas storage option for homes, townhouses and rental properties that already suit gas storage hot water.

It is best for customers wanting a familiar replacement rather than a major system change. The natural gas and LPG options make it suitable for different property setups, but choosing the correct gas type is essential.

For households that need more hot water, compare larger 160L and 170L gas storage systems. For customers focused on energy efficiency, compare 5-star gas storage, instant gas and heat pump alternatives before deciding.

Browse the Vulcan 4-Star 135L Natural Gas Hot Water System, the Vulcan 4-Star 135L LPG Gas Hot Water System, compare more 130/135L Gas Hot Water Systems, or explore the full Vulcan Hot Water Systems range before ordering.