Quick answer: Water & Gas Worx supplies and installs Rheem Stellar gas storage hot water cylinders across Auckland — the modern 5-star replacement for discontinued Vulcan Freeloaders. Available in 130L ($4,199 incl GST) and 160L ($4,899 incl GST) fully installed. Price includes the unit, gas compliance certificate, removal of your old cylinder, and warranty registration. Installed by Peter — licensed plumber and certifying gasfitter. Call 0800 322 322.
Models We Supply & Install
Two Rheem Stellar sizes cover nearly every gas storage replacement job in Auckland. Your choice depends on household size and what your existing Vulcan was.
Rheem Stellar 130L
Compact 130L gas storage cylinder. Suits 2–5 person households. Direct replacement for Vulcan 130 units. 5-star MEPS-compliant with 10-year cylinder warranty.
Rheem Stellar 160L
Family-size 160L gas storage cylinder. Suits 3–6 person households. The direct replacement for most Vulcan 160 installations and the more popular of the two sizes.
Replacing an old Vulcan Freeloader?
Vulcan-to-Stellar is the most common gas cylinder swap we do — see the full conversion guide with pricing and process.
The Rheem Stellar Range
A gas storage hot water cylinder heats and stores water in a tank using a gas burner underneath. Cold water enters the base, the burner fires whenever the thermostat calls for heat, and hot water is drawn off the top. Unlike gas continuous flow units — which heat water on demand — a gas storage cylinder keeps a tank of hot water ready to go at all times. This has been the standard gas hot water system in Auckland homes for decades.
The old Vulcan range was rated at 3 stars and is no longer legal to sell in New Zealand under current Minimum Energy Performance Standards. The Rheem Stellar is the direct modern replacement — a 5-star MEPS-compliant gas storage cylinder available in 130L and 160L sizes. We supply, install, and certify the full Rheem Stellar range across Auckland.
Why the Rheem Stellar?
- 5-star MEPS-compliant — meets current New Zealand Minimum Energy Performance Standards. The old Vulcan range does not.
- Direct replacement — designed to fit the same footprint as an old Vulcan in most installs.
- Vitreous enamel tank — glass-fused steel with a sacrificial anode, same proven corrosion protection as Rheem's electric cylinder range.
- 10-year cylinder warranty — backed by Rheem New Zealand.
- Standing pilot light — simple, reliable, no electronic ignition to fail. If the power goes out, you still have hot water.
- Standard gas connection — uses your existing natural gas supply, no line upgrade needed in most cases.
130L vs 160L — Which Do You Need?
Rheem Stellar 130L ($4,199) — rated by Rheem for 2 to 5 people. Direct replacement for a Vulcan 130. Recovery rate of ~200 L/hr keeps pace with everyday household demand.
Rheem Stellar 160L ($4,899) — rated by Rheem for 3 to 6 people. The common family-home size and the direct swap for most Vulcan 160 units. The extra $600 is well spent if you have teenagers or back-to-back showers.
If you are unsure which size your current Vulcan is, check the rating plate on the front of the unit — it will state the tank capacity. If you can't find it, send us a photo and we'll identify the model and recommend the right Stellar.
Installation — What's Included
Every Rheem Stellar gas storage cylinder installation from Water & Gas Worx includes:
- Full supply of the new Rheem Stellar cylinder
- Removing and disposing of your old Vulcan or existing gas cylinder
- Installing the new cylinder in the same position (direct swap)
- Connecting gas supply line with new isolation valve
- Connecting hot and cold water lines with tempering valve and pressure relief valve
- Verifying flue clearances and ventilation compliance
- Lighting and commissioning the pilot light
- Issuing the gas certificate (required under NZS 5261)
- Registering the Rheem warranty on your behalf
Most installations are completed in a single visit — typically 4 to 6 hours start to finish. If your old cylinder has died and you have no hot water, we aim to get you running the same day.
Considering Other Options?
Gas storage is a proven, reliable technology — but it is not always the best choice for every home. If you're weighing alternatives:
- Gas continuous flow — never runs out, more efficient, but requires different water pressure setup.
- Integrated heat pump — highest efficiency, lowest running costs, but higher upfront cost and needs outdoor space.
- Electric cylinder — cheapest upfront, higher running cost, simpler if you're shutting down the gas line.
For the full gas cylinder range and pricing, visit wgw.co.nz/hot-water/cylinders/gas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a gas storage hot water cylinder cost in Auckland?
The Rheem Stellar 130L is $4,199 incl GST fully installed. The Rheem Stellar 160L is $4,899 installed. Prices include supply, installation, removal of your old cylinder, gas connection, certification and warranty registration.
Why can't I replace my old Vulcan Freeloader with another Vulcan?
Vulcan Freeloaders were rated at 3 stars, and under current Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), 3-star gas water heaters can no longer be sold or imported into New Zealand. When your Vulcan dies, it cannot be replaced like-for-like. The Rheem Stellar is the modern 5-star equivalent.
Does a gas storage cylinder use a pilot light?
Yes. Unlike modern gas continuous flow units (which use electronic ignition), gas storage cylinders like the Rheem Stellar run on a standing pilot light. The pilot stays lit so the burner can fire whenever the thermostat calls for heat.
130L or 160L — which Rheem Stellar should I choose?
Rheem rates the 130L for 2 to 5 people and the 160L for 3 to 6 people. The 160L is the direct size match for most homes running a Vulcan 160. If you're unsure, go up — the 160 costs $600 more and saves running out of hot water during peak demand.
What replaces an old Vulcan gas cylinder?
The Rheem Stellar 130L and 160L are the modern replacements for old Vulcan gas storage cylinders. They use the same gas connections and fit in similar locations, making them a direct swap for most Vulcan installations.
How long does a gas storage cylinder installation take?
A standard like-for-like Stellar installation takes 4 to 6 hours. This includes disconnecting and removing the old Vulcan, installing the new cylinder, connecting gas and water lines, relighting the pilot, commissioning, and issuing the gas certificate. Most jobs are completed same-day.
How long does a gas storage cylinder last?
A good quality gas storage cylinder lasts 10 to 15 years. For domestic installations, the Rheem Stellar is backed by a 10-year cylinder replacement warranty, 3 years cylinder labour, and 1 year parts.
Do I need a licensed gasfitter to install a gas storage cylinder?
Yes. Gas storage cylinder installation must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Every install from Water & Gas Worx includes the gas certificate and is compliant with NZS 5261.
