Best Hot Water System for Homes With LPG: Complete Buyer’s Guide
If your home uses LPG bottles, the best hot water system may be an LPG instant gas system, LPG gas storage system, electric storage system or heat pump hot water system, depending on your household size, number of bathrooms, gas bottle setup, gas supply capacity, water pressure, available location, electrical setup and budget.
At Hot Water Outlet, you can compare gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, hot water systems, electric hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and common valves, pipework and fittings.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Hot Water System for LPG Homes?
For many LPG homes, the best hot water system is either an LPG instant gas system or an LPG gas storage system, provided the gas bottle setup, regulator, gas pipe sizing, water pressure and installation location are suitable.
As a general guide:
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Choose an instant gas hot water system if you want continuous flow hot water and the LPG supply, water pressure and external location are suitable.
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Choose a gas hot water system if you want a gas storage-style replacement and the tank capacity or recovery rate suits your household.
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Compare electric hot water systems if LPG supply, bottle costs or gas upgrades make electric storage more practical.
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Compare heat pump hot water systems if you want efficient electric hot water and the property has suitable outdoor space, airflow, drainage and electrical setup.
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Confirm the product is LPG, not natural gas.
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Check gas bottle supply, regulator setup, water pressure, flow rate, product location and required fittings before ordering supply-only.
LPG can work well for hot water, but the selected model must be suitable for LPG and the property must support the system.
Best Hot Water Options for LPG Homes at a Glance
| System Type | May Suit | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| LPG instant gas hot water | Homes wanting continuous flow hot water | LPG bottle supply, regulator, gas pipe sizing, L/min flow rate, water pressure |
| LPG gas storage hot water | Homes replacing tank-style LPG systems | Tank capacity, recovery rate, LPG compatibility, dimensions |
| Electric storage hot water | Homes moving away from LPG or wanting a simple tank option | Electrical requirements, tank size, running schedule |
| Heat pump hot water | Homes wanting efficient electric hot water where site conditions suit | Outdoor airflow, noise, drainage, tank capacity |
| Instant electric hot water | Selected applications only | Electrical capacity, flow demand, switchboard suitability |
For many LPG homes, the main choice is LPG instant gas vs LPG gas storage. Electric and heat pump options are worth comparing if LPG is no longer the most practical choice.
Start With Your Current Hot Water System
Before choosing a replacement, check what is already installed.
Look for:
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Current brand and model
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System type
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LPG or natural gas
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Tank capacity in litres if storage
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Flow rate in L/min if instant gas
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Indoor, outdoor or flued setup
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Product dimensions
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Connection positions
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LPG bottle location
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Regulator setup
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Whether the system keeps up
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Whether it runs cold during peak use
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Whether the household size has changed
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Whether the current location still works
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Whether valves and fittings need replacing
If your current LPG hot water system has worked well, a similar LPG replacement may be practical.
If it struggles during peak use, runs cold, uses too much gas or no longer suits the household, compare different sizes or alternative system types before ordering.
LPG vs Natural Gas: Do Not Mix Them Up
Before ordering any gas hot water system, confirm that the model is suitable for LPG.
LPG and natural gas are not interchangeable.
An LPG hot water system cannot simply be used on natural gas unless the specific model is designed and approved for that gas type. The same applies in reverse.
Before ordering, check:
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Existing hot water unit label
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Appliance data plate
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LPG bottle setup
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Product listing
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Gas type shown on the model
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Licensed gas fitter advice if unsure
Choosing the wrong gas type can cause delays, extra costs and compatibility issues.
LPG Instant Gas Hot Water Systems
LPG instant gas hot water systems heat water as it passes through the unit. They do not store a large tank of hot water.
An LPG instant gas system may suit if:
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You want continuous flow hot water
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LPG bottles are already used at the property
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LPG supply can support the selected unit
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Water pressure and flow are suitable
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External wall location is practical
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You want a compact hot water system
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The correct L/min flow rate is selected
Before choosing LPG instant gas, check:
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Required flow rate in L/min
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Number of people in the home
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Number of bathrooms
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Whether two showers may run close together
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Bath use
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LPG bottle setup
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Regulator suitability
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Gas pipe sizing
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Water pressure and flow
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External wall location
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Clearances from windows and openings
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Controller compatibility where relevant
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Product dimensions
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Required valves and fittings
Browse instant gas hot water systems if you want to compare LPG continuous flow options.
LPG Gas Storage Hot Water Systems
LPG gas storage hot water systems heat and store water in a tank.
LPG gas storage may suit if:
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You are replacing an existing LPG storage system
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You prefer a tank-style hot water system
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The current storage setup has worked well
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Tank capacity suits household demand
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Recovery rate suits peak use
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Product dimensions fit the existing location
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LPG bottles are already in use
Before choosing LPG gas storage, check:
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Tank capacity
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Recovery rate
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Current tank size
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Whether the old system runs out
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Number of people in the home
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Number of bathrooms
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Bath use
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LPG supply suitability
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Product dimensions
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Connection positions
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Required valves and fittings
Browse gas hot water systems if you want to compare LPG storage and gas hot water options.
LPG Instant Gas vs LPG Gas Storage
Instant gas and gas storage work differently.
| Option | How It Works | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| LPG instant gas | Heats water as it flows through the unit | Homes wanting continuous flow hot water |
| LPG gas storage | Stores hot water in a tank | Homes wanting a tank-style LPG replacement |
Instant gas is sized by flow rate in L/min.
Gas storage is sized by tank capacity and recovery rate.
Do not compare L/min and litres as if they are the same measurement. They describe different system types.
When LPG Instant Gas May Be Better
LPG instant gas may be the better option if:
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Continuous flow hot water is preferred
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You do not want a large storage tank
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LPG bottle supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable
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External wall space is available
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The selected L/min rating suits your household
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You want a compact LPG hot water option
Instant gas can be a strong choice for many LPG homes, but it must be correctly sized and supported by the gas bottle setup, regulator and pipework.
When LPG Gas Storage May Be Better
LPG gas storage may be the better option if:
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You are replacing an existing LPG storage unit
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The current tank-style setup has worked well
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You prefer stored hot water
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The existing location suits a tank
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Recovery rate and tank capacity suit demand
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A like-for-like replacement is preferred
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Instant gas supply or pressure requirements are difficult
LPG gas storage can still be practical where the home already suits this system type.
What Size LPG Instant Gas System Do You Need?
Instant gas hot water systems are sized by flow rate in L/min.
As a general guide:
| Flow Rate | May Suit | Check Carefully |
|---|---|---|
| 16 L/min | Smaller homes, one bathroom or lower-demand households | Multiple outlets may be limited |
| 20 L/min | Moderate households or small families | Peak use may still be high |
| 26 L/min | Larger families or two-bathroom homes | LPG supply and water pressure must be suitable |
A higher L/min model may suit larger households, but it is not automatically better. The LPG supply, regulator, gas pipework and water pressure must be suitable.
What Size LPG Gas Storage System Do You Need?
Gas storage systems are sized by tank capacity and recovery rate.
Before choosing an LPG gas storage model, check:
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Current tank capacity
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Whether the current system keeps up
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Number of people in the home
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Number of bathrooms
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Shower duration
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Back-to-back showers
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Bath use
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Kitchen hot water use
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Laundry use
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Recovery rate
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Available location
A larger tank is not the only factor. Recovery rate can also affect how well the system handles peak hot water demand.
Best LPG Hot Water System for One Bathroom
A one-bathroom LPG home may suit instant gas or gas storage depending on household demand.
Instant gas may suit if:
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The household has low to moderate demand
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LPG supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable
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The selected flow rate matches usage
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External wall location is practical
Gas storage may suit if:
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An LPG storage system is already installed
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Tank capacity suits demand
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Recovery rate is suitable
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A tank-style replacement is preferred
A one-bathroom family home may need more hot water than a two-person household, so do not choose purely by bathroom count.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Two Bathrooms
Two-bathroom homes need more careful sizing because showers and outlets may overlap.
Instant gas may suit if:
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A suitable L/min rating is selected
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LPG supply can support the unit
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Water pressure and flow are suitable
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External location works
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The household wants continuous flow hot water
Gas storage may suit if:
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Tank capacity is suitable
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Recovery rate matches peak use
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The existing tank location works
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A storage-style system is preferred
For two bathrooms, do not choose only by brand or product price. Size, LPG supply and water pressure matter more.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Families
Families usually have higher hot water demand, especially during morning and evening peaks.
For a family with LPG, compare:
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Higher-flow LPG instant gas systems
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LPG gas storage systems with suitable tank capacity and recovery rate
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Electric or heat pump alternatives if LPG is no longer preferred
Check:
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Number of people in the home
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Number of bathrooms
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Shower duration
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Back-to-back showers
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Bath use
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Whether two showers may run together
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Kitchen and laundry hot water use
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LPG bottle supply
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Regulator setup
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Water pressure
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Product location
A family home can still experience poor hot water performance if the system is undersized or the LPG supply is not suitable.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Small Homes
Small LPG homes may suit compact instant gas or smaller gas storage options depending on layout and demand.
Instant gas may suit if:
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Demand is low to moderate
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External wall space is available
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LPG supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable
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A compact system is preferred
Gas storage may suit if:
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A storage tank is already installed
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The selected tank capacity matches demand
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The existing location works
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A like-for-like replacement is preferred
Small homes still need proper checks. Do not assume the smallest model is automatically the best option.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Units
Units can be more complicated because of building rules, body corporate conditions, gas bottle storage, ventilation and external location requirements.
An LPG system may suit a unit if:
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The building already supports LPG hot water
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LPG bottles are allowed and correctly located
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Body corporate rules allow the replacement
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The product location is compliant
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Gas supply and water pressure are suitable
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Product dimensions suit the available space
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Delivery access is practical
Some units may be better suited to electric hot water if LPG replacement is difficult or approval is unclear.
For units, check building and body corporate requirements before ordering supply-only.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Townhouses
Townhouses can suit LPG hot water, but the layout needs careful checking.
Important checks include:
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Side access
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External wall space
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LPG bottle location
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Regulator location
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Distance from windows and openings
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Distance from bedrooms
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Neighbouring properties
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Body corporate or complex rules
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Gas pipe sizing
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Water pressure
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Product dimensions
Instant gas can be practical for townhouses where external location, LPG supply and water pressure are suitable. Gas storage may suit where an existing tank-style system is already installed.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Rental Properties
Rental properties need practical hot water systems that suit likely tenant demand.
Instant gas may suit rentals if:
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LPG hot water is already installed
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Gas bottle supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable
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The selected L/min rating suits the property
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External location works
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Continuous flow hot water is preferred
Gas storage may suit rentals if:
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LPG storage is already installed
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Tank capacity suits the property size
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Recovery rate is suitable
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A straightforward replacement is preferred
Avoid undersizing rental hot water. A lower product price may create more complaints if tenants experience poor hot water performance.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Rural and Semi-Rural Homes
LPG hot water is common in homes where natural gas is not available.
An LPG system may suit rural or semi-rural homes if:
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LPG bottle delivery is practical
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The bottle location is compliant
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The regulator setup is suitable
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Gas pipework can support the appliance
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Water pressure is suitable
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The chosen system matches household demand
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Licensed tradespeople confirm the setup
Electric storage or heat pump hot water may also be worth comparing where electricity supply, outdoor space and household demand suit.
Best LPG Hot Water System for Renovations
Renovations are a good time to reassess LPG hot water because the finished home may have higher demand than the old layout.
You may need a different system if:
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A second bathroom is being added
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More people will live in the home
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A bath is being added
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The old hot water location is changing
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More gas appliances are being added
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LPG bottle location is changing
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Gas pipework is being upgraded
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External wall space is being redesigned
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Water pressure issues are being addressed
Plan hot water around the finished home, not only the old hot water system.
Best LPG Hot Water Brands
LPG hot water buyers often compare:
Rinnai, Bosch and Rheem are commonly compared for LPG instant gas.
Rheem, Dux and Vulcan are commonly compared for LPG gas storage-style hot water.
The best brand depends on system type, model size, LPG supply, water pressure and property layout.
Rinnai LPG Hot Water
Rinnai hot water systems are commonly compared for instant gas and continuous flow hot water.
Rinnai may suit LPG homes where:
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Continuous flow hot water is preferred
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LPG supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable
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External wall location works
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The selected L/min rating suits demand
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Controller compatibility is checked where relevant
Rinnai is often worth comparing if you are focused on LPG instant gas.
Bosch LPG Hot Water
Bosch hot water systems are commonly compared for gas continuous flow hot water.
Bosch may suit LPG homes where:
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Instant gas is preferred
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A compact external gas unit is practical
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LPG supply can support the selected model
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Water pressure is suitable
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Product dimensions and clearances suit the location
Bosch is usually best compared within the instant gas category.
Rheem LPG Hot Water
Rheem hot water systems are commonly compared across several hot water categories, including gas storage and instant gas.
Rheem may suit buyers who want:
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LPG gas storage options
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LPG instant gas options
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A broader hot water brand comparison
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A familiar brand across electric, gas, heat pump and storage systems
Rheem can be useful if you are still deciding between gas storage, instant gas, electric or heat pump hot water.
Dux LPG Hot Water
Dux hot water systems are commonly compared for gas storage hot water.
Dux may suit LPG homes where:
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A gas storage system is already installed
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A tank-style replacement is preferred
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Tank capacity suits household demand
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Recovery rate suits peak use
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Product dimensions fit the current location
Dux may be worth comparing if LPG storage gas is the right system type.
Vulcan LPG Hot Water
Vulcan hot water systems are commonly compared for practical gas storage-style replacements.
Vulcan may suit LPG homes where:
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A storage-style system is preferred
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Existing tank location works
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Tank capacity and recovery rate suit demand
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A practical replacement option is needed
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Product dimensions and connection positions suit the property
Vulcan is commonly compared against Rheem and Dux for storage hot water.
LPG vs Electric Hot Water
LPG and electric hot water suit different homes.
LPG may suit if:
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LPG bottles are already installed
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Instant gas or gas storage is preferred
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LPG supply is suitable
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Water pressure is suitable for instant gas
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A gas replacement is straightforward
Electric hot water systems may suit if:
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You want to move away from LPG
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A tank-style electric system is already installed or preferred
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Electrical requirements can be met
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Heat pump location is not practical
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A simple storage replacement is preferred
The better choice depends on your property, energy setup and household demand.
LPG vs Heat Pump Hot Water
LPG hot water and heat pump hot water are very different options.
LPG may suit if:
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Gas bottles are already available
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Instant gas or gas storage suits the home
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The replacement location works
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Gas supply and water pressure are suitable
Heat pump hot water systems may suit if:
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Efficient electric hot water is preferred
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Outdoor space is available
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Airflow is suitable
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Condensate drainage can be managed
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Noise placement is acceptable
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Electrical requirements can be met
Heat pumps can be a good option for some LPG homes, especially where the household wants to reduce reliance on bottled gas, but the site still needs to suit heat pump requirements.
LPG vs Instant Electric Hot Water
Instant electric hot water may suit selected applications, but it is not automatically a direct replacement for LPG instant gas hot water.
Instant electric hot water systems may suit if:
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Flow demand is modest
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Electrical capacity is suitable
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The system is for a suitable outlet or application
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Licensed tradespeople confirm requirements
Instant electric may not suit if:
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Whole-home demand is high
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Multiple showers may run together
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Switchboard capacity is limited
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An LPG instant system is already practical
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A storage or heat pump system is more suitable
Electrical requirements must be checked before ordering instant electric.
LPG Supply Requirements
LPG hot water performance depends on the gas supply.
Before choosing an LPG model, check:
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LPG bottle size and setup
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Bottle location
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Regulator suitability
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Gas pipe sizing
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Distance from gas bottles to appliance
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Other gas appliances
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Appliance load
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Licensed gas fitter advice
A larger instant gas unit may not perform properly if LPG supply, regulator or pipework is not suitable.
Water Pressure and Flow
Instant gas systems need suitable water pressure and flow.
Before choosing LPG instant gas, check:
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Mains water pressure
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Existing shower flow
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Number of hot outlets
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Whether outlets may run together
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Existing pipework
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Pressure limiting valves
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Product specifications
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Licensed plumber advice where needed
If water pressure or flow is poor, replacing the hot water system alone may not solve the issue.
External Gas Unit Location
Many instant gas systems are external units unless the specific product is designed and approved for internal or flued installation.
Before choosing an LPG instant gas system, check:
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External wall location
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Clearance from windows and doors
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Clearance from openings
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Distance to LPG supply
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Distance to water connections
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Access for servicing
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Weather exposure requirements
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Product installation requirements
Do not assume an external gas unit can be installed indoors.
Controllers and Accessories
Some instant gas systems may be compatible with temperature controllers, depending on the model.
Before ordering controllers or accessories, check:
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Product compatibility
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Whether controllers are included
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Number of controllers supported
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Controller location
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Wiring requirements
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Whether old controllers are compatible
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Licensed trade requirements
Do not assume existing controllers will work with every new LPG hot water system.
Supply-Only Pricing vs Installed Cost
When comparing LPG hot water systems online, make sure you understand what the price includes.
Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Supply-only pricing usually does not include:
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Installation
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Plumbing labour
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Gas fitting
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Electrical work
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Old unit removal
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Disposal
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Valves
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Fittings
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Pipework changes
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Gas upgrades
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Regulator changes
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LPG bottle work
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Controller wiring
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Compliance upgrades
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Concrete bases or platforms
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Delivery beyond what is shown at checkout
Before ordering, confirm the full job requirements with appropriately licensed tradespeople.
Valves, Fittings and Accessories
An LPG hot water order may need more than the main unit.
Common accessories include:
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Tempering valves
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Pressure relief valves
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Duo valves
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Non-return valves
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Isolation valves
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Copper pipework
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Gas fittings
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Controllers where compatible
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Drainage parts
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Connection parts
Hot Water Outlet has a dedicated range of valves, pipework and fittings to help customers compare common hot water accessories.
Always confirm compatibility before ordering.
Common Mistakes When Choosing LPG Hot Water
Ordering Natural Gas Instead of LPG
Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Confirm the correct gas type before ordering.
Choosing Brand Before System Type
Choose LPG gas storage or LPG instant gas before choosing the exact brand and model.
Choosing Flow Rate by Price Alone
A lower-flow instant gas model may not suit families, two bathrooms or overlapping showers.
Ignoring LPG Bottle Supply
Instant gas performance depends on suitable LPG bottle supply, regulator and gas pipework.
Ignoring Water Pressure
Poor water pressure can affect instant gas performance.
Comparing Storage Litres With Instant Gas L/min
Storage systems are sized by tank capacity and recovery rate. Instant gas systems are sized by L/min.
Assuming External Gas Units Can Go Indoors
External gas units are outdoor/external only unless the specific product is designed and approved for internal or flued installation.
Comparing Supply-Only Price to Installed Cost
Supply-only product pricing is not the same as total replacement cost.
Forgetting Valves and Fittings
The hot water unit may not be the complete order.
LPG Hot Water Buyer Checklist
Before choosing an LPG hot water system, check:
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Current hot water system brand and model
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Current system type
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LPG confirmed
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Tank capacity if storage
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Flow rate in L/min if instant gas
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Whether the current system keeps up
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Number of people in the home
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Number of bathrooms
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Shower habits
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Bath use
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Desired system type
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LPG storage or LPG instant gas
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Tank capacity if storage
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Recovery rate if storage
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Flow rate if instant gas
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LPG bottle setup
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Regulator suitability
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Gas pipe sizing
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Water pressure and flow
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External location
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Product dimensions
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Connection positions
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Controller compatibility where relevant
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Delivery access
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Required valves and fittings
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Warranty information
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Licensed trade requirements
Compare LPG Hot Water Systems Online
Hot Water Outlet makes it easier to compare LPG hot water systems by brand, system type, tank capacity, flow rate, dimensions, specifications and supply-only pricing.
Start with:
Then compare brands:
If LPG is no longer the best fit, compare:
FAQs About LPG Hot Water Systems
What is the best hot water system for a home with LPG?
For many LPG homes, the best options to compare are LPG instant gas and LPG gas storage hot water. Instant gas may suit homes wanting continuous flow, while gas storage may suit homes replacing a tank-style system.
Is LPG instant gas better than LPG gas storage?
LPG instant gas may suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water where LPG supply and water pressure are suitable. LPG gas storage may suit homes replacing an existing tank-style system. Neither is automatically better.
What size LPG instant gas hot water system do I need?
Instant gas systems are sized by flow rate in L/min. Smaller homes may suit lower-flow models, while larger families or two-bathroom homes may need higher-flow systems, subject to LPG supply and water pressure.
What size LPG gas storage system do I need?
The right gas storage size depends on the number of people in the home, number of bathrooms, shower habits, bath use, tank capacity and recovery rate.
Can I use a natural gas hot water system on LPG?
No. Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable unless the exact product is designed and approved for conversion or that gas type. Always order the correct model.
Is LPG hot water better than electric?
The better choice depends on the property. LPG may suit homes already set up for bottled gas. Electric storage or heat pump hot water may suit homes wanting to move away from LPG or where electrical options are more practical.
Can I replace LPG hot water with a heat pump?
Yes, if the property has suitable outdoor space, airflow, condensate drainage and electrical requirements. A licensed electrician and plumber should confirm suitability before installation.
Are Rinnai and Bosch good for LPG hot water?
Rinnai and Bosch are commonly compared for LPG instant hot water. The right choice depends on flow rate, LPG supply, water pressure, product dimensions and location.
Do LPG hot water systems need valves and fittings?
Some LPG hot water replacements require valves, fittings, controllers or accessories depending on system type and connection layout. Browse valves, pipework and fittings and confirm compatibility before ordering.
Can I install an LPG hot water system myself?
No. LPG hot water systems involve plumbing, gas fitting and sometimes electrical work that should be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online, and may help organise quotes from reputable installers where appropriate.
Find the Best LPG Hot Water System
The best hot water system for an LPG home depends on household demand, system type, gas bottle setup, regulator suitability, water pressure, tank capacity, flow rate, location and budget. LPG instant gas may suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water. LPG gas storage may suit homes replacing a tank-style system. Electric or heat pump options may suit homes moving away from bottled gas.
Browse gas hot water systems and instant gas hot water systems online with Hot Water Outlet to compare LPG hot water options by brand, size and specification.