Buying guides
The questions people ask us before they buy.
Written by plumbers who fit these every week. No sales pitch — if the cheaper option is the right one for you, that is what it says.
What am I actually going to pay?
How much does it cost to replace a hot water cylinder in NZ?
Real numbers from the New Zealand market, split into what the cylinder costs and what the installation costs.
Reviewed 2026-09-02How many litres for my household?
What size hot water cylinder do I need?
Sizing by household, and why going one size up is usually cheaper than regretting it.
Reviewed 2026-09-02Is a heat pump cylinder worth the extra?
Heat pump or standard electric cylinder?
What each one costs to buy, what each costs to run, and who should pick which.
Reviewed 2026-09-02Can I install it myself?
What does replacing a hot water cylinder involve?
Why a cylinder has to be connected by a licensed plumber, and what the job actually includes.
Reviewed 2026-09-02