180 litre hot water cylinder NZ: prices, dimensions and which to buy
Every 180 litre cylinder we sell compared: price, height, diameter, weight, mains or low pressure, heat-up time and warranty. Rheem MPVE 31218015 and 32218015, Rinnai ME180488E30, Thermann 180L, Rheem MPSS 32518015 and the low pressure options.
Last reviewed 2026-10-28
180 litres is the most common replacement size in New Zealand, and the one with the most choice. The same 180 litres comes from 1165 mm to 1790 mm tall, in mains or low pressure, and in enamel, stainless or copper. Here is every 180 litre class cylinder we sell, with the numbers that decide which one fits the job.
180 litre hot water cylinder prices NZ
Mains pressure, all prices including GST, supply only:
| Model | Litres | Size (mm) | Element | Lining | Siting | Cylinder warranty | Price incl GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem MPVE 31218015 | 177 | 488 dia x 1715 high | 3 kW | Vitreous enamel | Indoor | 10 yr | $1,290 |
| Rheem MPVE 32218015 | 177 | 580 dia x 1165 high | 3 kW | Vitreous enamel | Indoor | 10 yr | $1,300 |
| Rinnai ME180488E30 | 180 | 488 dia x 1790 high | 3 kW | Vitreous enamel | Indoor or outdoor | 7 yr | $1,300 |
| Thermann Reece 1360884 | 180 | 490 dia x 1775 high | 3 kW | Vitreous enamel | Indoor or outdoor | 10 yr | $1,520 |
| Rheem MPSS 32518015 | 180 | 488 dia x 1765 high | 3 kW | Duplex stainless steel | Indoor or outdoor | 10 yr | $1,650 |
Rheem rate the MPVE at 177 litres; it is sold and replaced as a 180. For a full installed price, see what a replacement costs.
180 litre cylinder dimensions: height and diameter
- Slimline, about 490 mm across: Rheem MPVE 31218015 is 488 x 1715 mm, Thermann 180L 490 x 1775 mm, Rinnai ME180488E30 488 x 1790 mm. The like-for-like for a tall, narrow cupboard. The Rinnai is 75 mm taller than the Rheem, so measure the height.
- Stubby, 580 mm across: Rheem MPVE 32218015 is 580 x 1165 mm. About 550 mm shorter than the slimline for 92 mm more width: the one for a low ceiling or a shelf above.
- Stainless: Rheem MPSS 32518015 is 488 x 1765 mm.
Allow clearance above for the valves and in front for servicing, and check the path in: a 1790 mm cylinder has to come through the door and round the corner. More in will your new cylinder fit.
How heavy is a 180 litre cylinder?
180 litres of water weighs 180 kg on its own, so a full cylinder is the empty weight plus 180 kg. Thermann list their 180L at 65 kg empty, about 245 kg full; Rinnai's 180L low pressure copper is 26 kg empty, about 206 kg full. That is why a cylinder needs a sound floor and a seismic restraint.
Mains pressure or low pressure 180L?
Buy the type your house has. A header tank in the roof means low pressure; mains pressure needs a pressure limiting valve and expansion valve on the cold side. If you are not sure, read low or mains pressure before ordering.
| Model | Litres | Size (mm) | Element | Lining | Siting | Cylinder warranty | Price incl GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem LPVE 14818015T | 180 | 488 dia x 1715 high | 3 kW | Vitreous enamel | Indoor | 10 yr | $1,620 |
| Rheem 14T18013 | 180 | 560 dia x 1225 high | 3 kW | Copper | Indoor | 5 yr | $1,780 |
| Rinnai LC18055030 | 180 | 550 dia x 1295 high | 3 kW | Copper | Indoor | 5 yr | $1,780 |
The copper low pressure units are much shorter (Rheem 14T18013 1225 mm, Rinnai LC18055030 1295 mm) but carry 5 years on the cylinder against 10 for the Rheem LPVE 14818015T enamel.
How long does a 180L cylinder take to heat up?
Heating 180 litres from 15°C to 65°C takes about 10.5 kWh. With a 3 kW element that is about 3.5 hours from cold; with 2 kW about 5.2 hours. On a controlled night rate it can take longer, because the power is switched off at peak times. Full working in how long a cylinder takes to heat.
How long does a 180 litre cylinder last?
The cylinder warranty is the honest floor: 10 years for Rheem MPVE, Thermann and stainless, 7 years for Rinnai ME, 5 years for copper. See how long cylinders last for what shortens and stretches that.
Is 180 litres enough?
180 litres usually suits 3 to 4 people with one bathroom. Two showers running back to back, a big bath or more people points to 250 litres. See what size cylinder do I need.
Rheem or Rinnai 180L?
- Rheem MPVE 31218015 ($1,290): 10 year cylinder warranty, indoor only.
- Rinnai ME180488E30 ($1,300): 7 years, but rated indoor or outdoor.
- Thermann 180L ($1,520): 10 years and indoor or outdoor.
What else the job needs
- Valve set for mains pressure: Apex CP 20 combi pack $570 or RMC Econopack $360.
- Safe tray and tundish where a leak could damage the floor.
- Connecting a cylinder is restricted sanitary plumbing work for a licensed person.
Prices include GST and are supply only. Delivery is free in Auckland, $30 per order elsewhere in New Zealand.