Critical Review: Saxon Electric Storage Hot Water Systems – What’s the Best Replacement?

For Queenslanders, Saxon was more than just a brand—it was synonymous with hot water. With a legacy spanning over 100 years, Saxon and Peter Sachs Industries dominated the Queensland hot water market before shutting down in 2011. Though the Saxon name is now owned by Rheem, Saxon systems are no longer produced, leaving many homeowners wondering: What’s the best replacement?

At JR Gas & Water, we’ve helped thousands of Saxon owners transition to modern, energy-efficient replacements. Whether you have a Saxon Copperflow, Trueflow, Superflow Heat Pump, or SolarStar, we have high-quality alternatives to suit your household needs.

Why Did Saxon Hot Water Systems Disappear?

Despite their simple and durable design, Saxon systems struggled to meet modern energy efficiency regulations. Their open-vented design lost significant heat through the top expansion outlet, forcing the system to run more frequently—leading to high electricity bills.

Additionally, the manual top-up valve required homeowners to refill the system every few months, which was inconvenient and, if forgotten, often resulted in cold showers.

While Saxon systems were affordable to install, their long-term running costs made them far less efficient than today’s sealed systems and heat pumps.

Best Replacements for Saxon Hot Water Systems

Choosing the right replacement depends on:
✅ System location – Internal, external, space constraints?
✅ Household size – Number of people using hot water?
✅ Budget – Want the most cost-effective or top-tier system?
✅ Energy efficiency – Looking to reduce power bills with a heat pump or solar?

Below are the best replacements for your Saxon system, recommended by JR Gas & Water for fast, hassle-free installation.

Replacement Options by Saxon Model

Saxon 90L Copperflow/Trueflow (Small unit, suitable for 1-2 people)

Recommended Replacements:

• Vulcan 80L – Affordable and reliable
• Aquamax 80L – Stainless steel tank for better longevity
• Rheem 80L – Premium build, Australian-made

For two occupants, upgrading to 125L models is recommended:

• Vulcan 125L
• Aquamax 125L
• Rheem 125L

Saxon 140L Copperflow/Trueflow (Medium unit, suitable for 2-3 people)

Recommended Replacements:

• Rheem Stellar 160L – High-efficiency electric
• Dux 160L – Great for off-set power connections
• Enviroheat 250L – Best energy-efficient heat pump alternative

For larger families (4-5 people), upgrading to 250L models is recommended:

• Rheem Stellar 250L
• Dux 250L

Saxon 160L Copperflow/Trueflow (Medium unit, suitable for 3-4 people)

Recommended Replacements:

• Rheem Stellar 160L
• Dux 160L
• Enviroheat 250L – Best for cutting power bills

For families with 4-5 people, consider upgrading to 250L models:

• Rheem Stellar 250L
• Dux 250L

Saxon 180L Copperflow/Trueflow (Larger unit, suitable for 4-5 people)

Recommended Replacements:

• Rheem Stellar 250L
• Dux 250L
• Enviroheat 250L

For larger families (5-6 people), upgrading to 315L models is ideal:

• Rheem Stellar 315L
• Dux 315L

Saxon 280L Copperflow/Trueflow (Extra-large unit, suitable for 5-6 people)

Recommended Replacements:

• Rheem 315L
• Aquamax 315L
• Enviroheat 250L – Best high-efficiency replacement

For households with 7+ people, upgrading to a 400L system is recommended:

• Rheem 400L
• Aquamax 400L

Saxon SuperFlow 400L Heat Pump – Best Replacement?

Since Saxon’s heat pump models are no longer available, the best modern equivalents are:

• Enviroheat 250L – Best budget-friendly option
• Stiebel Eltron WWK Series – Premium German-engineered heat pump

Need Help Choosing? Contact JR Gas & Water Today!

With same-day installation across Brisbane & SEQ, JR Gas & Water can help you find the best replacement for your Saxon system and get your hot water running again—fast! 🚀🔥