Quick answer:The Rheem Stellar 160L is a 5-star gas storage hot water cylinder — $4,899 incl GST fully installed across Auckland by Water & Gas Worx. Rated for 3 to 6 person households. The direct modern replacement for old Vulcan 160 gas cylinders — the most popular of the two Stellar sizes. Price includes the unit, gas compliance certificate, removal of your old cylinder, plumbing and gas connections, and Rheem warranty registration. Installed by Peter — licensed plumber and certifying gasfitter. Call 0800 322 322.
About the Rheem Stellar 160L
The Rheem Stellar 160L is the larger cylinder in the Stellar Outdoor Gas Storage range — rated by Rheem for households of 3 to 6 people in moderate climates, or 3 to 5 in cold climates. It's a 160-litre natural gas storage cylinder designed for outdoor installation, and it's the direct size match for most homes running an older Vulcan 160.
The Stellar uses Rheem's SuperFlue technology to increase both efficiency and performance, a vitreous enamel cylinder lining to protect against a variety of water qualities, and mains pressure capability to power multiple taps at once. Both the 130L and 160L share the same 42 MJ/h gas input — the 160L simply holds more stored hot water, which means less likelihood of running short during back-to-back showers or high-demand mornings.
The Stellar 160L is supplied as a direct replacement solution for older Vulcan Freeloader units. We stock the unit and install Auckland wide. Gas certificate is issued on the day, warranty registered with Rheem NZ before we leave site.
Technical Specifications
| Storage capacity | 160 litres |
| Installation | Outdoor |
| Gas type | Natural gas |
| Gas consumption | 42 MJ/h |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 1900 × 485 × 558 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 80 kg |
| Max working pressure | 1400 kPa |
| Max thermostat setting | 65 °C |
| Gas connection | RP ½ |
| Water connection | RP ¾ |
| Country of manufacture | Australia |
| People (moderate climate) | 3–6 |
| People (cold climate) | 3–5 |
| Cylinder warranty (domestic) | 10 years replacement, 3 years labour |
| Parts warranty (domestic) | 1 year |
Recent Install — Botany
Vulcan Freeloader → Rheem Stellar 160L
Botany, East Auckland — outdoor install
Why This Unit for Auckland?
- — Installed across Auckland since 2009 — we know these units and the conditions they run in
- — Fixed pricing with no surprises — what we quote is what you pay
- — Licensed plumber and gasfitter — all certification included
- — Same-week installation available in most Auckland suburbs
- — Old unit disconnected, removed, and disposed of — nothing left for you to deal with
Frequently Asked Questions — Rheem Stellar 160L
What is the Rheem Stellar 160L installed price in Auckland?
The Rheem Stellar 160L is $4,899 incl GST fully installed. This includes the unit, removal of the old cylinder, gas and water connections, valve pack, gas safety certificate, and warranty registration with Rheem NZ.
How many people does the Rheem Stellar 160L suit?
Rheem officially rates the 160L for 3 to 6 people in moderate climates and 3 to 5 in cold climates. These figures are based on 7-minute showers at 42°C with a 10 L/min flow rate. For a family of four the 130L is usually enough — step up to the 160L if you have five or more people, teenagers, or back-to-back showers.
What warranty comes with the Rheem Stellar 160L?
For domestic installations, Rheem provides a 10-year cylinder replacement warranty, 3 years cylinder labour, and 1 year parts. We register the warranty with Rheem NZ on installation day.
Where is the Rheem Stellar 160L installed?
The Stellar range is designed for outdoor installation only. Rheem's styling blends with the external home environment, and outdoor siting removes flue venting complications inside the house. The 160L is 1900 × 485 × 558 mm and weighs 80 kg empty.
How long does a Rheem Stellar 160L installation take?
A standard replacement (like-for-like) takes half a day — approximately three to four hours. This covers disconnection and removal of the old unit, installing the Stellar, connecting water and gas, pressure testing, commissioning, and issuing the gas certificate.
What is the difference between the Rheem Stellar 130L and 160L?
The 160L holds 30 extra litres of stored hot water and stands 1900 mm tall versus 1600 mm for the 130L. Both share the same 42 MJ/h gas input and outdoor design. Rheem rates the 130L for 2–5 people and the 160L for 3–6 people. The installed price difference is $600 — $4,199 for the 130L versus $4,899 for the 160L.
Where is the Rheem Stellar 160L made?
The Rheem Stellar range is manufactured in Australia. It is supplied and backed by Rheem New Zealand, with a 10-year cylinder replacement warranty for domestic installations.
