Rinnai Infinity Range
Verified244 reviews
We are on our second unit of these both stopped working after 3 years on the dot! Absolutely diabolical for a system of this value! And of course warranty ends leaving the customer out of pocket
I’ve owned a Rinnai Infinity 26 unit for a few years now and would recommend to everyone. It is reliable, never had an issue and always have hot water. Good Aussie made product Show reply
I have had my Rinnai Infinity hot water unit for a good ten years now. It's always hot when I need it and I've never had an issue with it. I also love how the unit takes up no room in my small backyard. I will definitely purchase another Rinnai product when looking for a new appliance. Show reply
Reviews with attachments
My last Rinnai 20 lasted over 15 years, both Atco and gas plumber suggested to change before the old unit will stop working and winter is the time where this will happens. My initial thought was to get Infinity 20, however the gas plumber advise I could go up to 26 as my gas pipe is large enough for the bugger unit. Not only that all of the old… Read more · 1
fittings are now non compliance.
The 26 so far is great, we only briefly loss of heat to the shower while the kitchen was running hot water. Previously we could only operated one area at the time.
The biggest difference between this new Infinity 26 compare with the old 20 is the max temperature control. Previously I could operate at 70 degree C, now my max temperature is 50. Which is compliance to latest government regulations.
I did like the fact the box says 25 years warranty, however the gas plumber did advise me that I need to check their T & C. From his experiences Rinnai is the least problematic unit.
So far I am happy with the unit, it backed on to our bathroom and main bedroom and the noise level is very low. If it likes the last unit I am very happy with the purchase.
- +5
23 years of use + 1 ….. Now 24! – Another 12 months on….2/1/26 …. still going strong! It’s now 2/01/2025…still going strong and no issues at all! Update…just noticed my microwave had gone off so sorted that and went back to control panel and it turned on!!! Not sure what happened but…..23 years and STILL GOING STRONG! My Infinity 24 system which was installed in 2000 has… Read more · 2
just ‘died’ today….no power to the consoles…being Sunday I’ll wait til tomorrow and make calls to have someone check and then possibly replace…I’ve been very happy with ours, certainly can’t complain …. The only thing I noticed in one shower water would sometimes go cooler for a bit then back to warm … I was told this was a water pressure issue but not sure if that’s correct??
Excellent - so read reviews carefully, not just the stars – Basic Info: Installed in 2001, reviewed in 2022, running flawlessly on a 2 storey 4 bedroom house, placed right outside the downstairs bathroom, and we INSULATED the hot water pipe. This is in Sydney. It's fine even when it's 5 degrees outside. We are happy with water at 50° as stated on the box. And naturally there is a short wait for hot water.… Read more · 1
Those details help. This is the Rinnai infinity 26. Natural gas model made in Japan (see photo). Apparently it lasts 25 years on average. Ours still runs flawlessly. Never serviced. No maintainance needed it seems. So when it eventually dies, we will get another. Simple.
And below are my comments which relate mostly to my hypothesis about why there is an alarmingly high number of 1 star reviews (which makes no sense). So be careful judging these units based on the numerical average !
And by the way, my motivation for reviewing this is simply that aneighbour had their old Bosch system break down and they asked for a recommendation. So I went and looked at my unit to see what to is. I am not incentivised for tis review in any way.
So first , let me say, if you live in a super cold alpine region, or don't have mains gas, maybe check with an experienced plumber or your neighbours first. Or do research on making this unit serve your needs. There are new models with temperature controllers nowadays too!.
And if you live a high water pressure area with really high pressure water coming out of old pipes and old taps and shower heads, and are about to do a renovation, you will need to adjust your expectations significantly to the new world of water saving fittings and slower hot water. But we get used to anything.
The 1 star reviews ***appear to be*** annoyed people, protesting their disappointment, as oppose to genuine faults. It seems this is a product that never fit their needs, as opposed to being a bad or unreliable instant hot water system
My tips 1) have it located near where they use it... 2) INSIST your plumber insulate the hot water pipe when installing it - especially if it runs outdoors or more than about 4m. Read the stickers. Know the temperature you actually need it to produce and check the specifications. And know your water pressure. 3) how many units do you need?
So yes, I was surprised at so many 1 star reviews. So I went and read them. It appears they (disproportionately but not universally) are angry reviews about incorrecttly installed / used units or people expected them to perform completely differently to their stated specifications. Very odd. Some read more like rants than factual evaluations.
Examples. Some people either didn't read the cover (it clearly states 'preset to 50°c') but they expect instant boiling water (like a zip tap) or have other expectations that don't match the product. Yes, a slight delay is to be expected while you wait for water to heat. Then water comes out at max 50° degrees, it's so the skin of children and babies will never peel off under a hot tap. Or when out in a bath. That's a safety feature, not a flaw . It is possible for you to get 70 80 or even 90° degree water out of old style storage systems , but it's dangerous and expensive.
I am very happy with my unit. The only draw back is gas emissions and CO2. the roice for electricity make an instant electric seem unlikely right now.
No we don't get the smell of gas at all. It's in a well ventilated location outdoors, naturally.
5years old and the bottom of water heater has rusted out rinnai believes the heat exchanger is leaking which supposedly has a 25 year warranty .Have been told that I have to pay for labour to replace a part under warranty .Still trying to figure that one out. Supposedly this heater will last 15years but from what I have seen and heard that this… Read more
not uncommon I am very doubtful of rinnai quality . Now awaiting a technician to confirm the outcome but it is obvious that the high priced water heater is nothing more than a 5year scrap metal piece
Terrible unit installed in November 2021 and it’s been playing up going hot and cold for the last 6 months getting progressively worse. My gas plumber has inspected it today and it seems the pcb has gone and I need a new unit. This unit is just out of warranty. Rinnai no help. I wish I had kept my 30 year old storage tank hws unit which never… Read more
failed me. This expense is really unexpected and has come at a difficult time for our family. I won’t be buying another rinnai that’s for sure.
Hi jo d,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Regards, Rinnai Australia
In-depth reviews
Get yourself into hot water – Recently replaced my Chromagen storage/Infinity 20 gas boost solar system with a Rinnai Eternity 26 touch. There is a similar lag time from faucet opening to when you get hot water, and depends on distance of the unit and length of insulated copper pipe to outlet, not surprisingly. Unlike the Chromagen the delivery by the Rinnai system is… Read more · 3
indeed continuous and not interrupted. The temp. for the shower is hotter than the previous even set at 50 degC. The external system set up is neater, tidier and space friendly. Removal of the roof panel also freed up space for PV solar cells too. The supply of gas to the Rinnai and correct diameter piping is critical for it to work effectively.
My only reservation is that the transceiver is "touchy" and as already commented on, if there is an electrical outage the unit goes off. I have disconnected (separated) the transceiver as I really have little need to fiddle with the temperature control as the hot water supplied is sufficient in quantity and temperature for the kitchen and shower and we are a small family unit with the default factory 50 degC being more than adequate and works all the time.
Loud whirring noise – Purchased to replace storage gas system. Last experience with instantaneous gas was with pilot light and burner in a small 2 bed unit which worked well. First thing one has to do, is replace the mains gas line into the property to a larger size, otherwise it wont function properly. The problems a lot of reviewers experience in fluctuation of… Read more
water temperature is a result of this. Rinnai should have this clearly stated on their website or retailers.
Copy of charges from Dec to Feb. Total Summer 196 $4.17 Service to Property Charge 63 days 64.800 c/day $40.82 GST $4.50 Total Gas Charges $49.49 With old storage system, more than double usage charges. If I didn't have gas ducted heating, definitely would have gone for LPG unit and drop gas company.
The only issue I have with this unit is the loud whirring noise that comes on and stays on for about 15 seconds after turning off tap. This may not sound like much but when taps are constantly on and off it becomes a nuisance to a point where neighbor asked if the unit is faulty. Their bedroom is opposite the unit. I try to not to use hot water where possible as that triggers it. Will be getting a heat pump to replace this.
Bought it from G-Store, more like S(hit) Store for terrible after sales service. The guy I spoke to was very arrogant and defensive when questioned about this noise. He seemed to think I was finding an excuse to return it. Asked also about a wiring issue, explicit language was used to describe the electrician who installed. Stay away from this mob.
Hi Jett, Thank you for your review of the Rinnai Infinity… Read more
Its a great hot water unit – so my previous Rinnai Infinitity 26 was installed in 2004 - we moved into this house in 2007 and the water heater failed a couple of days ago - so that's 16 years of trouble free use - my particular unit is the exterior model mounted outside on a southerly facing wall - with a single wired remote unit. As Adelaide water is pretty… Read more · 4
"rough" this was a good innings from the unit. I decided to replace the old unit with a new one exactly the same - and a gas fitter exchanged the unit in under an hour using new fittings.
I am very happy with by hot water unit - but I see a lot of questions an poo r reviews. I'd just like to comment on what might be happening in those other reviewers situation.
If you are used to a older hot water service - you know - a 135Litre tank - you might have to change how you use your hot water unit - normally with the older storage units the temperature the water is heated to is fixed and you get your desired water temperature and flow by mixing hot and cold water together by using a mixer tap.
The advantage of an instant hot water service is that you can set the temperature it heats to and only heat the amount of water you need to the temperature you want.
I've found that for the shower and the sinks - 48C is about right - so most of the hot water comes direct from the hot water unit and only a small amount of cold for getting the temp just right.
If you set the hot water unit to produce hotter water than you need and try to then mix with more cold water you only get a small amount of water flow through the hot water unit and the unit will not produce a consistent temp.
So making use of the remote control and changing your way of mixing hot water you will get consistent temperature hot water and doing it this way is also more energy efficient.
the unit will cope with two people showering at the same time - but readjustment of the shower tap is necessary.
Positive reviews
Good! – Had mine for 10 to 15 years. Memory of when I bought it is a bit vague. Having said that, still goes well. Though a bit slow to go hot at first, and the volume tends to go down as it heats up. It will heat up when hot water is required in bath/shower, washing machine and kitchen all at the same time. I bought it brand new for $800 from some… Read more · 1
industrial site store.
EDIT: Recently changed tap washers and found the kitchen hot water tap's washer was slightly smaller. When replaced with correct size the problem has vanished. Thanks to Rinnai's support!
Find out how Rinnai Infinity Range compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
Worked it out, all good – A good unit, found at first was using too much water, but soon realised it takes around 20 seconds for water to heat, having tap on full bore doesn't speed this up, so have hot water on a stream, allow the 20 to heat, then another what ever( 15 for me, but depending on how far from tank) then crank it upfor continuous hot water. Someone else, running a tap can effect Show details · 1
Getting use to Continuous Flow. So far so good! Expensive but worth it – Not sure yet since the unit was just installed recently. Will monitor and provide an update as soon as possible. Show details · 1
Negative reviews
Useless we have been putting up with cold water for the past 2 years. It takes ages to heat up and still is not hot. I have cold showers. We had friends stay and they could not believe what we have been putting up with. Show details
Hi Tracey Holt,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Regards, Rinnai Australia
Rinnai Infinity 16 Bad hot water system – It doesn't work as advertised. The hot water is not enyto have a shower. It's only last about 6 minutes and the rest is cold water running out. NOT HAPPY. It's totally crappy quality, DON'T BUY IT. It's not worth it. 1/2 a star if possible. Just get a Rheem hot water tank would be better and for sure will have enough hot water for shower. Nothing worst than having cold shower in winter in Melbourne.
Hi Lee L,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
Very bad unit and this is my second and the first no better – This is the second unit we have had to install in 10 years this latest unit has broken down 3 times and have had not hot water now for 3 days, told by the service technician that the part that’s has faulted this time is normally 100 percent reliable this is now the second time this has happened . Personally I would not use a Rinnai system ever… Read more
again, also the service cost is outrageous for a unit that is not supposed to need service. Very very disappointing with your manufacturers reliability and your service reliability.
Hi Ian,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
Recent reviews
Lasted 10 years. Was promised 15-25yrs life by installer – PCB board has gone apparently model: V2626W (50) AK-NC. Called for service and the installer said it will be close to $2000? For just PCB board as igniter isn't coming on?. Recommended replacement with a new unit for $4339. Expensive 10year run. Previous house ewe ran a rheem gas unit for 20yrs without trouble. Very disappointed. Don't know where to get the PCB board as well? Rinnai service closed on Sunday! Location- Gold Coast 4212 Show details
Hi Oz Buyer,
We sent you a private message to discuss this further. Thanks Rinnai Australia
Rinnai B20 – Have recently had this unit installed and it works very well apart from the main shower where it seem to struggle to deliver sufficiently hot water for a shower everywhere else in the house water temperature is great we do have solar but this should not be affected is there anyway to overcome this issue Show details · 1
Installed in 1988 and still going strong !! – Installed in 1988 in my newly built home! Those days these hot water systems were unheard of !! I was lucky that I saw this product on a show called beyond 2000 and thought I have to put this in my house ! Lucky Bunnings stocked it then . So 23 yrs on in a two bathroom 2 storey home still working perfectly ! Never had issues with it ! I have 2… Read more · 1
controllers . Now Iam building a new townhouse and have chosen the rinnai 26 for my new build ! Amazing product .
Rinnae4 weeks old, so much trouble. Especially upstairs – Takes time to reach max temperature. Can run cold at times. Especially in downstairs shower. Not working upstairs. They came to check and charged $224 to say unit working ok. Had new meter but no change. However second and third plumber stated Rinnai not reliable and they wouldn’t touch or recommend them, especially 2 story houses. Suggest one looks elsewhere when buying a new Hot Water Service. Show details
Hi Val,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
Find out how Rinnai Infinity Range compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
Absolute Waste of water and money – I bought this 32 enviro unit in 2020, and wish to heaven I hadn’t ! It wastes so much water waiting for the water to come through (approx 6 litres every time you turn on the tap and the unit is close to our kitchen). The further away the unit is, the more water and gas you waste. I contacted Rinnai Customer Service who did answer my email, but… Read more
could not have cared less and told me after $5,500 outlay it was working as designed and just get used to it ! If I could afford to have it removed I surely would go back to a Rheem storage unit. Do not waste your money on Rinnai - they take your money and run ! 0 out of 10
Hi aussieboy65,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
The best home appliance we've ever had - 26 years old – I spent a year building 3 rooms above my home in 1996 and finished it all with installation of a Rinnai Infinity 20 hot water system. Now, in December 2021 and it still runs like clockwork. In fact to my shame it's the first time I've looked at cleaning the inlet filter (and it basically didn't need cleaning). That's 25 years of not even… Read more · 1
thinking about my hot water system - unbelievable and no question whatsoever about what we'll choose as its replacement should one be needed It served 5 people for 15 years and has whittled down to just we 2 now
Not hot enough – So disappointed in this unit. Thinking great never run out of hot water and didn't have to wait an hour after someone else. But the water isn't hot enough to wash my dishes. I have to boil the kettle. I have rung back the plumber as was told from Rianni and he said nothing is wrong. I can but my hand under the water and believe me it's not… Read more
hot. The service at Rianni is no help as they will charge to come out and have a look at the unit which is unfair. I would like to be able to increase the temperature of the unit. The only bonus is that 2 people can have a shower at the same time and the water doesn't go cold but the temperature does drop. All I want is the water to be hotter in the kitchen and laundry. Please Rianni help me out here. And also all 3 control panels are at 50 and in use light is on.
Hi Paula B, Thanks for the question, we would recommend… Read more
Replaced troublesome Bosch HW system for Rinnai Infinity – I've only been using the new Rinnai HW system for a few days and already I can tell it is far superior. I had the notorious Bosch hydro HW system which was always troublesome and it was hard to get a plumber who knew how to service it. In late September 2021 .... no hot water so instead of mucking around trying to get it serviced I had it changed over to a Rinnai Infinity system. one of the best decisions I ever made . . . so far. :) Show details · 1
Disappointing – I purchased an Infinity 32 on demand hot water. The water never gets hot enough for a decent shower or washing dishes. I bought 4, 12 years back and they were excellent and still going but the new digital ones are useless. Its going to cost $225+ for Rinnai to visit and hopefully adjust it. But I doubt if they can do anything. Do Not waste your money if you want a decent hot shower !! Show details
Hi steadyeddie
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
Water wasting nightmare ! – I had a Rinnai Infinity 32 Enviro installed and paid over $5000 for it; but I really do wish I’d just replaced my old Rheem hot water storage unit ! The Rinnai product wastes huge amounts of water waiting for the water to get to the taps; on average 6 to 8 litres every time. Most Aussie companies are making products that save water, but No not… Read more
Rinnai ! They think wasting water is perfectly acceptable ! They inform me it is working to manufacturer specifications ! I find this totally unacceptable in a drought ridden country ! My advice; look at different manufacturers and choose something other than a Rinnai
Thank you for your review Steven, as a trusted brand for… Read more (+1 reply)
Good, but power outage will cause no hot water – Purchased May 2021. Specifically called the Rinnai support team prior to purchase to check what happens after a power outage and was assured it there will be "no problem". (I called because I noticed other reviews about the system staying off after a power outage). So based on the install today and testing : if there is a power outage to the… Read more · 1
unit it default to OFF. This makes sense in Japan (Country of manufacture) where the philosophy is "unless I turn something on, it is off" (and that includes hot water - I have lived there). In Australia is means you may be standing in the shower area waiting for the water to get hot, but it never does if there has been a power outage overnight. So - then - you need to find the remote and turn the unit on. Advice is - know before you buy : might need a remote in every bathroom - which adds cost. Cheers
15 Year and now for a New one 'NOT BAD AT ALL" – 15 Year later an now the system changes temp get 12 error code Turn of Power then all Good.But will be exchanging for another Infinity 26.or maybe the B26.sO OFF TO THE RINNIA SUPPLYER FOR ME Was Regulator..The plumber never removed the moisture from the line when he replace the old regulator. The moisture was putting out the pilot flame...I still have the Rinnai Infinity 26 running in the Garage now GREAT Show details · 1
Turned water off at main for tap repair now no hot water – Hi we have turned off our mains water for repair and now have no hot water apart from luke warm in the bathroom all 3 control panels are on 50 and the in use indicator light is only coming on in the bathroom which is offering warmish water .. any suggestions? Show details · 1
Great Units We have many of them – We have Cabin park with LPG gas and approx. half of them are rinnai ones. Never had a problem with any yet... They may not be the cheapest but do you really want reliability or problems with the cheaper ones? Show details · 1
Would not recommend – This is the second one we have purchased It seems they only last for 10 years and they die so I guess if you purchase one be prepared to replace every 10 years I didn’t think I would have to replace a hot water system so often They say they last for 25 years but I would not believe it I am going to try another brand Show details
Hi Nbee,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks, Rinnai Australia
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Hi Malcolm Guy,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Regards, Rinnai Australia