How Good is the Rinnai Infinity 26?

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is generally considered a very good, high-performance, and energy-efficient on-demand gas hot water system. It is ideal for families requiring a strong and consistent hot water flow. 

The system also offers huge energy savings over storage heaters and precise temperature control. But is it actually that good? This guide will dig deeper into the Rinnai Infinity 26 from the key specs, how it works, pricing, maintenance tips, and more.

What Is the Rinnai Infinity 26?

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is a popular and energy efficient and continuous flow gas hot water system. This basically means it heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. You turn on a tap or shower, and hot water starts flowing instantly.

It’s part of Rinnai’s Infinity series, which has been around in Australia for years. The “26” in the name refers to its maximum hot water output: 26 litres per minute. That’s plenty for most households, even if you’re running a shower and the kitchen tap at the same time.

The system is designed for natural gas or LPG homes, and it’s built with energy efficiency in mind. Instead of keeping water hot all day, it only uses gas when you actually need hot water. That can lead to noticeable savings on your gas bill compared with traditional storage heaters.

Another thing that makes the Infinity 26 great is its compact design. It’s slimmer and lighter than most tank systems and this means it’s easier to fit in tight spaces such as small backyards, garages or even under stairs.

Key Specifications

• Type: Continuous
• Min Water Pressure: 200 kPa
• Max water pressure: 1,000 kPa
• Dimensions: 571x356x202 mm
• Flow rate: 26 L/min
• Weight: 15.5 kg
• Factory default temperature: 50 / 60°C

Key Performance Features

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is packed with features that make daily life smoother, safer, and a bit more predictable. Here’s a closer look at what really stands out:

Ideal for 1–2 Bathrooms (1–3 in Warmer Climates)

With a maximum output of 26 L/min, the Infinity 26 comfortably services one or two bathrooms simultaneously. In warmer climates, where water isn’t coming in ice-cold, it can even handle three taps running simultaneously without a noticeable drop in temperature. That’s great for families juggling showers, dishwashing, and laundry all at once.

Never Runs Out of Hot Water

This is the magic of continuous flow. Unlike tank systems, which can empty mid-shower, the Infinity 26 delivers hot water on demand, so long showers and multiple taps aren’t a problem. As long as the gas supply is steady, your hot water supply is practically endless.

Precise Temperature Control for Safety and Convenience

Rinnai’s temperature control allows you to set the water exactly where you want it. This is more about safety. Households with young children or elderly family members benefit from stable and predictable temperatures that reduce scalding risk.

6.1 Star Equivalent Energy Rating

The Infinity 26 comes with an impressive 6.1 Star equivalent energy rating. This makes it highly efficient compared to older storage tank heaters. The efficiency means lower gas bills without sacrificing performance, and it is great for families watching their household budget.

Status Operation Monitor

This feature lets you quickly check the system’s operating status. It’s a small addition, but it makes troubleshooting much easier. If the system ever needs attention, the monitor gives clear indications so you don’t have to guess what’s wrong.

PureTemp™ Temperature Stability Technology

PureTemp™ helps maintain a consistent temperature even when someone else in the house uses water at the same time. No more sudden cold shocks mid-shower—something anyone who’s shared a bathroom knows is a lifesaver.

25-Year Extended Heat Exchanger Warranty

Finally, Rinnai backs the system—the heat exchanger—with a 25-year extended warranty. That reflects confidence in the durability of their product and offers peace of mind for long-term ownership.

How the Rinnai Infinity 26 Actually Works

The Rinnai Infinity 26 operates on a smoothly designed system. It only heats the water when you actually need it. Just turn the tap, and suddenly the water pours out hot.

Within the unit, there is a gas burner and a heat exchanger. The cold water goes through the heat exchanger, where it is heated by the gas flame. The temperature is continuously monitored to ensure the gas flame is adjusted and the temperature remains constant. This is where the PureTemp technology features: the temperature remains constant even if another tap is turned on in the house.

It also comes with a status indicator that shows if everything is functioning properly or if there is a problem. This includes low water pressure or if the flame will not light, and it will flash error messages if there is a problem. It may sound a bit techie, but this is actually very helpful for consumers.

Another essential element of the water heaters, or rather the shower system, is the flow sensor. The system only fires up when it detects water flow. If you turn the shower off, the burner stops immediately.

Pros and Cons of the Rinnai Infinity 26

Pros	Cons
• On-demand and endless water • High energy star ratings (6+) help reduce running costs and emissions • Digital control for consistent, safe temperature (often preset to 50°C for safety) • Compact design allows flexible installation • Low noise levels (around 50dB) make it suitable for near living areas • Good for families running multiple showers/appliances	• A temperature dip might occur if multiple high-flow showers run simultaneously with other hot taps • The unit relies on electricity for the ignition and control board. It will not produce hot water during a power outage unless connected to a backup power source

Rinnai Infinity 26: Installation and pricing

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is designed for external wall mounting and must be installed by a licensed gas fitter. 

• The Supply-Only Price typically ranges from $1,050 to $1,300 AUD, but this will depend on the current sales.

• Fully Installed Price generally starts around $1,700 to $2,300 AUD for a standard replacement.

Installation Requirements:

• Upgrading from an old storage tank often requires replacing 1/2-inch gas lines with 3/4-inch (20mm) lines to handle the higher gas rate (180–200 MJ/h).
• Units should be placed as close as possible to high-demand outlets (like the kitchen) to minimize hot water delay.
• Requires a standard 240V power point for electronic ignition

Rinnai Infinity 26: Maintenance and Servicing

Regular maintenance is critical to validate the extended warranty and ensure 20+ years of operation. Here is what is required:

• It is recommended to have a professional service every 2 years by a licensed technician.
• To access the extended 25-year heat exchanger warranty, the unit must be serviced by a Rinnai-accredited technician every 4 to 5 years.
• Standard Tasks:
• Descaling/Flushing is recommended annually, especially in hard water areas, to remove mineral deposits.
• Component check, such as inspection of the flame rod, combustion fan, and water pressure relief valves.
• User-accessible water filters should be checked periodically to prevent flow issues. 

Comparison table: Infinity 26 vs. Rheem Metro Max 26

Here is how these two compare:

Feature	Rinnai Infinity 26	Rheem Metro Max 26
Flow rate	26 L/min	26 L/min
Energy rating	6.1 Stars	6.0 Stars
Standard warranty	12 years (heat exchanger)	10-12 years (heat exchanger)
Max warranty	Up to 25 years (with servicing)	Typically 12 years
Key tech	Puretemp™ stability control	Digital OK monitor
Typical cost	~$1,850 – $2,300 (Installed)	~$1,600 – $2,100 (Installed)

Final Verdict: Is Rinnai Infinity 26 Worth it?

Rinnai Infinity 26  is indeed a premium investment for homeowners who prioritize never running out of hot water. It offers a strong warranty (up to 25 years), better temperature stability, and lower long-term running costs due to its 6.1-star efficiency. It’s one of the few things in your house you can install and genuinely forget about for twenty years.