Aquamax Hot Water Systems from $949
AquaMAX Hot Water Systems
Compare AquaMAX electric storage and 5-Star gas storage systems by tank size, element or gas configuration, replacement suitability and current supply-only price.
AquaMAX has supplied Australian hot water since 1988 and is now part of the Rheem family of brands. The current range is centred on two storage technologies: vitreous-enamel electric water heaters from 50L to 400L and premium 5-Star stainless-steel gas storage systems. AquaMAX products are made by Rheem in Rheem-owned and operated factories.
Hot Water Outlet currently carries the popular AquaMAX 125L, 160L, 160L Squat, 250L and 315L electric models. Use this page as the main AquaMAX brand hub to compare those systems, understand the broader manufacturer range, choose the right capacity, compare standard and Squat dimensions, understand single- and twin-element storage, learn how the gas stainless-steel range differs, and check current prices before ordering.
AquaMAX Hot Water Range Explained
AquaMAX focuses on storage hot water rather than heat pumps or mainstream continuous-flow products in its current public range. Electric storage uses an enamel-lined steel tank and electric element, while the premium gas family uses lightweight stainless-steel cylinders and high gas recovery.
50L to 400L mains-pressure storage designed for Australian metropolitan and regional conditions.
160L electric storage in a short, wide format for sites with restricted installation height.
5-Star stainless-steel gas storage with strong recovery for small-to-medium household demand.
5-Star stainless-steel gas storage with 390L first-hour delivery for higher demand.
AquaMAX Electric Hot Water Systems
The current AquaMAX electric family covers 50L, 80L, 125L, 160L, 160L Squat, 250L, 315L and 400L classes across its broader model line-up. Tanks are made from steel and internally lined with vitreous enamel for corrosion protection. AquaMAX promotes the electric range as suitable for most Australian water-quality conditions, including many harder-water regional areas.
50L & 80L
Compact mains-pressure electric storage for low demand, smaller properties or sites where a large family cylinder is unnecessary.
125L & 160L
Smaller household capacities. AquaMAX currently offers the 125L in 1.8kW and 3.6kW versions and the standard 160L in 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW configurations.
250L & 315L
Common family-replacement sizes. AquaMAX lists larger-element choices and twin-element availability in parts of this range for homes needing additional recovery.
400L
The large-capacity electric option for high daily demand. Current AquaMAX documentation includes both single- and twin-element 400L models.
Many current AquaMAX electric models use dual inlets and outlets to simplify replacement plumbing. That can make a like-for-like change easier, but exact connection height and model dimensions should still be checked before ordering.
AquaMAX 160L Squat vs Standard 160L
The AquaMAX 160L Squat is specifically designed for installations where vertical space is restricted. It stores the same nominal 160L as the standard model but uses a very different shape. Current manufacturer dimensions put the Squat at roughly 965mm high, 640mm wide and 680mm deep, while the standard 160L is around 1610mm high, 480mm wide and 515mm deep.
The Squat is available with 1.8kW or 2.4kW single elements. The standard 160L adds a 3.6kW option in the wider manufacturer range. Both are suitable for indoor or outdoor installation when installed in accordance with the product requirements.
Choose Standard 160L When...
The installation has adequate height but less floor width/depth, or the job needs the standard model’s available element configurations.
Choose 160L Squat When...
Height is the main restriction and the installation can accommodate a wider, deeper cylinder footprint.
Single Element, Twin Element & AquaMAX Recovery
A single-element AquaMAX heats the stored water through one element. Twin-element versions in parts of the larger range add an upper boost element so a smaller portion of water can be recovered faster after heavy use. Twin-element models still need the correct electrical supply and tariff arrangement.
Large electric cylinders are often paired with controlled or time-of-use electricity arrangements where available. The amount of storage required depends partly on how long the system may need to supply the household before it reheats again.
Element Size
A higher-kW element can recover stored water faster when the circuit and tariff permit it. Available element sizes vary by AquaMAX model and capacity.
Twin Element
Current AquaMAX documentation includes twin-element 315L and 400L configurations. The upper boost section can improve recovery during unusually high demand.
AquaMAX G270SS, G340SS & G390SS Gas Hot Water
AquaMAX’s premium gas-storage family uses stainless-steel cylinders rather than conventional enamelled steel. The current range is rated at 5 Stars and does not require a sacrificial anode. AquaMAX also highlights the lower cylinder weight compared with traditional enamelled steel tanks.
AquaMAX G270SS
A 130L-cylinder Natural Gas model with up to 145L/hr recovery at a 45°C rise and 270L first-hour delivery under AquaMAX’s stated test conditions. It is positioned for smaller to medium households.
AquaMAX G340SS
A 155L-cylinder Natural Gas model with 185L/hr recovery at a 45°C rise and 340L first-hour delivery. AquaMAX positions it for up to around seven people under its stated assumptions.
AquaMAX G390SS
The highest first-hour-delivery model in the current stainless-steel range, rated at 390L first-hour delivery and designed for higher household hot-water demand.
Why First-Hour Delivery Matters
Gas storage reheats water while the tank is being used. First-hour delivery combines stored capacity with recovery, making it more useful than tank litres alone when comparing high-recovery gas systems.
AquaMAX gas stainless-steel systems can reduce weight and eliminate sacrificial-anode servicing, but stainless steel is not automatically suitable for every water supply. Check the exact manufacturer water-quality requirements before selecting one.
What Size AquaMAX Hot Water System Do I Need?
For electric storage, actual hot-water demand matters more than household count alone. A practical demand guide is around 40L per person per day for light use, 50L average, 65L high use and 80L very heavy use. Recovery and tariff then determine how much stored reserve is required.
125L and 160L suit lower-to-medium stored-water demand, 250L is a common family starting point and 315L adds reserve for heavier use. The correct size also depends on element power, tariff, recovery time and available installation space.
How the Main AquaMAX Options Compare
| AquaMAX type | Heating method | Main sizing measure | Main checks | Common reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Electric VE | Electric element heats stored water. | Tank litres + recovery. | Capacity, element, tariff, dimensions, pressure and drainage. | Straightforward electric storage replacement. |
| 160L Squat | Electric element heats stored water. | 160L storage. | Restricted height, larger footprint, element size and access. | 160L capacity where a tall standard cylinder will not fit. |
| G270SS / G340SS | Gas burner heats stainless-steel stored water. | First-hour delivery + recovery. | Gas supply, outdoor location, water quality, pressure and connections. | High-recovery 5-Star gas storage. |
| G390SS | Gas burner heats stainless-steel stored water. | 390L first-hour delivery. | Gas supply, outdoor location, demand, water quality and space. | Higher-demand gas-storage applications. |
Replacing an Existing AquaMAX Hot Water System
The easiest replacement normally keeps the same energy source, similar capacity and compatible connections. Start with the old model number, then confirm litres, element or gas type, dimensions and pressure requirements before ordering.
Record model number, capacity, electric or gas type, element rating and dimensions.
Check household use, shower duration, baths and whether the existing tank regularly runs out.
Check height, width, depth, access, connections, valves, drainage and power or gas supply.
Stay like-for-like where practical or change size only when demand or site conditions justify it.
AquaMAX 125L to 125L
Compare the existing element rating and physical dimensions with the current 125L model before treating it as a direct replacement.
AquaMAX 160L to 160L
First identify whether the existing unit is standard or Squat. Both store 160L but have radically different proportions and potentially different element options.
AquaMAX 250L to 315L
Upsizing adds stored reserve but also changes physical size and standing heat loss. It is most useful where actual household demand justifies the change.
Old AquaMAX Gas Replacement
Use the model code to identify the stainless-steel gas family and compare first-hour delivery, gas type, water quality, dimensions and current replacement availability.
What Should Be Checked Before an AquaMAX Replacement?
Pressure settings vary across AquaMAX models. For example, current manufacturer data for the standard 160L electric lists a 1200kPa ECV setting and 1400kPa relief valve, while the 160L Squat uses an 850kPa ECV setting and 1000kPa relief valve. Do not assume valves from one AquaMAX model are automatically correct for another.
Also check water-connection positions and sizes. Many current electric models use dual-handed Rp3/4 connections, but exact positions vary by cylinder. Gas stainless-steel models use their own water, gas and pressure specifications.
Will a New AquaMAX Fit Where the Old One Was?
Capacity alone cannot confirm fit. The standard 160L is tall and narrow while the 160L Squat is short and wide. Larger 250L, 315L and 400L cylinders also require substantially more access and support than compact units. Check the complete path from delivery point to final installation position, not just the final footprint.
AquaMAX electric models are available for indoor or outdoor installation when installed to the relevant requirements. Indoor installations need proper overflow and property-damage protection, while gas stainless-steel systems in the current manufacturer range are outdoor units.
AquaMAX Hot Water System Prices
Compare current unit prices, then open the product to check stock, element options, dimensions, delivery and optional parts.
| AquaMAX system | Current price | Purchase type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamax 250L Electric Hot Water System | $1,199 | Supply only | View |
| Aquamax 315L Electric Hot Water System | $1,369 | Supply only | View |
| Aquamax SQUAT 160L Electric Hot Water System | $1,269 | Supply only | View |
| Aquamax 160L Electric Hot Water System | $1,139 | Supply only | View |
| Aquamax 125L Electric Hot Water System | $949 | Supply only | View |
Product price only. Delivery, valves, fittings, pipework, installation and other extras are separate unless expressly included with the selected product.
AquaMAX Warranty & Maintenance
Warranty depends on the exact model. Current 125L, 160L, 160L Squat, 250L, 315L and 400L electric documentation commonly lists a 10-year cylinder warranty with separate parts-and-labour coverage, while current stainless-steel gas models list a 12-year cylinder warranty on applicable products.
Electric Tank Protection
AquaMAX electric tanks use vitreous-enamel lining and conventional corrosion-protection components. Water quality and maintenance affect long-term tank condition.
Gas Stainless Steel
The stainless-steel gas range does not use a sacrificial anode, reducing one regular service item compared with conventional enamelled storage.
Rheem Service Network
AquaMAX is part of the Rheem family and is backed by Rheem Australia’s national service and support network.
Keep the Exact Model
Element rating, pressure settings, dimensions and connection positions can vary even between AquaMAX cylinders with similar capacities. Keep the full model number for future service and replacement.
Common AquaMAX Hot Water Problems & Replacement Signs
An AquaMAX system with no hot water does not automatically need complete replacement. Electric storage can have power, thermostat or element faults. Gas storage can have ignition, burner, gas-supply or control issues. Valves and pipework can also leak even when the tank itself remains sound.
No Hot Water
Confirm the system has the expected electricity or gas supply. Electrical and gas diagnostics should be carried out by the appropriate licensed trade.
Hot Water Runs Out
Demand may exceed tank capacity or recovery, a heating element may have failed, or tariff timing may be restricting when the electric cylinder reheats.
Water Around the Tank
Identify whether water comes from a relief valve, connection or cylinder body. Tank leakage is a stronger replacement indicator than normal intermittent relief-valve discharge.
Repeated Faults or Corrosion
Increasing repair frequency, visible corrosion, poor recovery or cylinder leakage can make replacement more practical as a storage system ages.
Buying an AquaMAX Hot Water System Supply Only
Choose the AquaMAX system first, then check delivery and add only the valves, pipework, fittings or accessories required for the job. For a replacement, the old model number, capacity, element or gas type, dimensions and a clear photo of the existing installation make matching much easier.
AquaMAX Hot Water System Questions
Answers to common AquaMAX price, electric storage, 160L Squat, gas, sizing, replacement, warranty and maintenance questions.