Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System Review

The Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System is a medium-capacity electric storage option for buyers replacing an older 160L tank, comparing supply-only hot water systems online, or looking for a compact-to-mid-size unit from the Rinnai Hot Water Systems range.

If you are comparing electric storage replacements, it is also worth checking the full Electric Hot Water Systems collection and confirming whether you need extra parts from Valves, Pipework and Fittings before checkout.

Quick Answer

The Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System may suit smaller families, townhouses, units, granny flats, rental properties and replacement jobs where a 125L tank may be too small but a 250L tank may be more than the home needs.

It is a 160L electric storage water heater from Rinnai’s Hotflo Electric Storage range, with 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW heating element options listed, plus single and twin element configuration options depending on the selected model and electrical setup.

It may be a good option if you want a practical medium electric storage replacement and already have a licensed plumber and electrician arranged.

It may not be the right choice if your household has high shower demand, your old 160L system regularly ran out of hot water, your electrical setup is unsuitable, or you want to compare larger electric tanks or heat pump hot water systems.

Product Snapshot

Who This Product May Suit

The Rinnai 160L may suit buyers who want more stored hot water than a 125L electric tank but do not need the larger footprint or stored capacity of a 250L, 315L or 400L system.

It may suit:

• Existing 160L electric hot water system replacements

• Smaller family homes

• Medium-sized homes with moderate hot water use

• Townhouses

• Units and apartments

• Granny flats

• Rental properties

• Investment properties

• Homes without gas connected

• Compact replacement locations

• Homes needing more storage than a 125L electric system

• Buyers who already have a licensed plumber and electrician arranged

• Supply-only customers wanting the unit delivered

The 160L size can be a practical middle point where a 125L tank may be too small but a 250L tank is not required.

Who Should Compare Other Options

Do not choose the Rinnai 160L just because it is compact and cheaper than a larger tank. The right system depends on the household’s actual hot water demand.

You should compare other options if:

• Your old 160L tank regularly ran out of hot water

• More people now live in the home

• You have added another bathroom

• The property has long shower use

• The home has high bath use

• You need a larger family-sized system

• You want lower running costs and are considering a heat pump

• You have solar power and want to shift more hot water heating into daylight hours

• Your existing circuit does not suit the selected element rating

• The system is being relocated

• Existing valves, base, drainage or pipework need major upgrades

For larger electric tanks, compare the full Electric Hot Water Systems range. For lower running cost alternatives, compare Heat Pump Hot Water Systems.

Rinnai 160L Features That Matter

The Rinnai 160L is a medium-capacity electric storage water heater, but several product details are worth checking before ordering.

160L Rated Capacity

The 160L capacity may suit moderate daily hot water demand.

It provides more stored hot water than a 125L electric system while remaining more compact than larger 250L, 315L and 400L electric storage units.

Rinnai Hotflo Electric Storage Range

The Rinnai 160L sits in the Hotflo Electric Storage range.

This range is designed for electric storage replacement where buyers want a conventional tank-style hot water system instead of gas, instant electric or heat pump hot water.

Single and Twin Element Options

The Rinnai Hotflo 160L is available in single and twin element configurations.

A single element system is commonly used for standard electric storage replacement.

A twin element system may suit some homes needing faster recovery or extra hot water support during peak use, but only where the electrical setup and tariff arrangement are suitable.

1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW Options

The product page lists 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW heating element options.

The supplied product link is for the 3.6kW option. If a different element size is selected, final electrical suitability must be checked by a licensed electrician.

Vitreous Enamel Lined Steel Tank

The Rinnai 160L uses a vitreous enamel lined steel tank with inbuilt anode protection.

Correct pressure control, water quality, valve setup, anode condition and compliant installation all matter for long-term system performance.

Dual-Handed Connections

The Rinnai 160L includes dual-handed connections.

This can help with replacement flexibility where existing pipework layouts vary, but it does not remove the need to check connection positions, valve layout, drainage, access and compliance.

Internal or External Installation

The Rinnai 160L is suitable for internal or external installation where compliant.

Indoor locations may need safe tray and drainage checks. Outdoor locations need a suitable base, weather exposure check, pipe insulation and compliant electrical setup.

Rinnai 160L vs Other Electric Tank Sizes

The Rinnai 160L may be a good fit when the buyer wants a medium electric storage tank without stepping up to a 250L or larger system.

Rinnai 160L vs Rinnai 125L

The Rinnai 160L provides more stored hot water than a 125L model.

A 125L system may suit smaller households, lower-use homes, units or compact locations. A 160L system may be better where hot water demand is slightly higher or where the existing 125L tank has been running short.

The right choice depends on household size, shower habits, tariff setup, climate, available space and installer advice.

Rinnai 160L vs Rinnai 250L

The Rinnai 160L is more compact than a 250L electric storage system.

A 160L system may suit smaller homes, townhouses, units and moderate-use households. A 250L system may suit larger families or homes with higher daily hot water demand.

If your old 160L tank regularly ran out of hot water, compare the 250L option before ordering.

Price and Value: What Buyers Should Check

The online price can change depending on stock, sale pricing, selected variant, delivery area and checkout options.

Before ordering, check:

• Current product price

• Selected kW rating

• Whether single element or twin element is required

• Delivery cost shown at checkout

• Delivery timeframe for your postcode

• Whether valves are selected separately

• Whether copper, fittings or insulation are required

• Whether a support base is needed

• Whether a safe tray is required for indoor installation

• Whether old system removal is arranged separately

• Whether disposal is arranged separately

• Whether installation quote help is being requested separately

• Whether your licensed installer has confirmed the system is suitable

Supply-only pricing is not the same as total installed cost.

What to Check Before Ordering

Before buying the Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System, confirm the details below.

1. Existing Tank Size

Check the label on the old hot water system.

If you are replacing an existing 160L electric tank and the home was happy with the hot water supply, another 160L system may be suitable.

If the old 160L system regularly ran short, compare 250L or larger electric storage options.

If the old 160L system was oversized for the property, compare 125L or smaller electric storage options.

2. Element Rating

The product page lists 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW options.

The correct option depends on:

• Existing circuit size

• Breaker rating

• Cable size

• Isolator condition

• Tariff setup

• Whether single or twin element is required

• Switchboard suitability

• Licensed electrician advice

Electrical connection, disconnection, wiring, testing, element changeover or modification must be completed by a suitably licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical licence holder.

3. Single Element or Twin Element

The Rinnai 160L is available in single and twin element configurations.

A single element option may suit many standard replacements. A twin element option may suit some higher-demand homes where the electrical setup and tariff arrangement are suitable.

Confirm the selected variant before ordering.

4. Indoor or Outdoor Location

The Rinnai 160L may suit indoor or outdoor installation where compliant.

For indoor locations, check:

• Safe tray requirements

• Drainage

• Leak protection

• Doorway clearance

• Cupboard clearance

• Floor support

• Service access

• Overflow discharge

For outdoor locations, check:

• Stable support base

• Weather exposure

• Pipe insulation

• Electrical protection

• Access around the unit

• Relief drain discharge location

• Future service and replacement access

5. Dimensions and Access

The detailed product specs list the Rinnai 160L with a 500mm tank diameter and 60kg empty weight.

Before checkout, confirm:

• Product dimensions on the current product page

• Gate width

• Side access

• Stairs

• Slopes

• Tight corners

• Garage access

• Apartment access

• Laundry or cupboard space

• Platform height

• Existing base size

• Delivery drop-off location

• Whether the unit can be safely moved into position

6. Water Pressure and Valves

The product page lists:

• 1000kPa relief valve setting

• 850kPa expansion control setting

• 680kPa maximum water supply pressure with ECV

• 800kPa maximum water supply pressure without ECV

Your plumber should confirm pressure control requirements before installation.

Do not assume the old valves are suitable just because they were connected to the previous tank.

7. Valves, Fittings and Accessories

An electric storage replacement may require more than the hot water system itself.

Your plumber may need to check or supply:

• Tempering valve

• PTR valve

• Expansion control valve

• Pressure limiting valve

• Duo valve

• Isolation valve

• Non-return valve

• Copper pipework

• Brass fittings

• Crimp fittings

• Pipe insulation

• Concrete support base

• Plastic support base

• Safe tray

• Sealants and sundries

Compare required parts in Valves, Pipework and Fittings.

8. Delivery Timing

Delivery availability can depend on postcode, stock, product size, order time, carrier availability and checkout options.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Delivery area

• Delivery cost

• Expected delivery timeframe

• Whether someone can receive the unit

• Delivery drop-off access

• Whether the installer wants the system delivered before or on the installation day

Supply-Only Pricing Reminder

Hot Water Outlet sells the Rinnai 160L as a supply-only product.

Supply-only pricing usually does not include:

• Installation

• Plumbing labour

• Electrical work

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Valves

• Fittings

• Pipework changes

• Drainage work

• Switchboard upgrades

• Circuit upgrades

• Compliance upgrades

• Safe trays

• Concrete bases or platforms

• Delivery beyond what is shown at checkout

Plumbing work must be completed by a licensed plumber. Electrical work must be completed or checked by a licensed electrician.

Hot Water Outlet does not directly install hot water systems. Where available, Hot Water Outlet may help request installation quotes from reputable licensed installers, but installation is quoted and arranged separately with the installer.

Product Alternatives to Compare

Before ordering the Rinnai 160L, compare:

• Other Rinnai Hot Water Systems

• The full Electric Hot Water Systems range

• Heat Pump Hot Water Systems if energy efficiency is a priority

• Valves, Pipework and Fittings if valves, bases, copper or connection parts are needed

A Rinnai 160L electric storage system can be a practical medium-size replacement, but suitability still depends on household demand, circuit suitability, water pressure, access, drainage and existing compliance.

Common Buying Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes when buying the Rinnai 160L online:

• Buying a 160L tank without checking actual household demand

• Assuming 160L will suit every small family

• Not checking whether 125L, 250L or a heat pump may suit better

• Not confirming the selected kW rating

• Not checking whether single or twin element is required

• Not confirming the existing electrical circuit

• Assuming old valves can be reused

• Forgetting pressure control requirements

• Forgetting safe tray or drainage requirements

• Not checking delivery access

• Not measuring the installation space

• Ignoring old system removal and disposal

• Assuming supply-only price equals installed price

• Ordering before a licensed plumber or electrician confirms suitability

Buyer Checklist

Before checkout, confirm:

• Existing system capacity

• Existing brand and model

• Whether 160L is the right size

• Number of people in the home

• Number of bathrooms

• Shower habits and flow rates

• Bath usage

• Selected element rating

• Single or twin element requirement

• Electrical circuit suitability

• Tariff setup

• Indoor or outdoor location

• Tank dimensions

• Delivery access

• Base or safe tray requirements

• Drainage requirements

• Water pressure

• Valve requirements

• Pipework and fitting requirements

• Old system removal plan

• Disposal plan

• Licensed plumber and electrician availability

FAQs

Is the Rinnai 160L good for families?

It may suit smaller families or moderate-use households, depending on shower length, number of bathrooms, tariff setup, climate, flow rates and daily hot water habits.

What model is the Rinnai 160L electric hot water system?

The product page lists the model as HFE160S and the product code as EHFA160.

Is the supplied product link single element?

The supplied link is for the 3.6kW option. Confirm the selected product variant before checkout, especially if you need a different element size or twin element configuration.

Is there a twin element Rinnai 160L model?

Yes. The Rinnai Hotflo 160L is available in single and twin element configurations. The correct option depends on the property’s electrical setup, tariff arrangement and hot water demand.

What element sizes are available?

The Rinnai 160L lists 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW heating element options.

Can the Rinnai 160L be installed outside?

Yes. It is suitable for internal or external installation where the location is compliant and suitable.

Can the Rinnai 160L be installed inside?

Yes. It may be installed inside where compliant. Indoor installations may require a safe tray, drainage, leak protection, suitable clearances and proper access.

What is the tank lining?

The Rinnai 160L uses a vitreous enamel lined steel tank.

Does the Rinnai 160L have an anode?

Yes. It includes inbuilt sacrificial anode protection.

What is the relief valve setting?

The Rinnai 160L has a listed 1000kPa relief valve setting.

What is the expansion control valve setting?

The Rinnai 160L has a listed 850kPa expansion control setting.

Does the Rinnai 160L include valves?

Do not assume valves are included unless clearly selected. Your plumber should confirm whether a valve kit, tempering valve, expansion control valve, pressure limiting valve or other fittings are required.

Do I need a plumber and electrician?

Yes. Plumbing work must be completed by a licensed plumber, and electrical work must be completed or checked by a licensed electrician.

Does Hot Water Outlet install the Rinnai 160L?

No. Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Where available, Hot Water Outlet may help request installation quotes from reputable licensed installers, but installation is quoted and arranged separately.

Is supply-only pricing the same as installed pricing?

No. Supply-only pricing is for the product itself. It usually does not include installation, electrical work, valves, pipework changes, old system removal, disposal, drainage or compliance upgrades.

Final CTA

Buy the Rinnai 160L Electric Hot Water System online from Hot Water Outlet, or compare more options in Rinnai Hot Water Systems and Electric Hot Water Systems.

Before checkout, confirm the tank size, selected element rating, electrical suitability, installation location, delivery access, pressure requirements and any required parts from Valves, Pipework and Fittings.