Head to head · updated 5 September 2026

Rainman Frame AC 100L, auto vs Spectra Newport 400C

Newport 400C costs 3.1× less energy per litre (4.5 against 13.9 Wh/L). Frame AC 100L, auto makes 1.4× the water per hour (90 against 64 L/hr). Frame AC 100L, auto is about $2,369 cheaper on indicative pricing.

SpecFrame AC 100L, autoNewport 400C
BrandRainmanSpectra
Output70–110 L/hr64 L/hr
Power draw1,250 W288 W
Energy per litre13.9 Wh/L4.5 Wh/L
Run time for 100 L1.1 h1.6 h
Energy for 100 L1,389 Wh450 Wh
Power sourceAC 240V12/24/48V DC
ConfigurationFramedModular
Membranes3 × 21in1 × 2.5×40in
Indicative price$12,131$14,500
Efficiency rank25 of 305 of 30

Highlighted cells mark the better figure on that row alone. Lower is better for energy, run time and price; higher is better for output.

Buy the Frame AC 100L, auto if…

You want tanks full in the shortest possible run, or you have a genset that is going to run anyway; the purchase price matters more to you than the running cost.

Get a quote on the Frame AC 100L, auto

Buy the Newport 400C if…

Your boat runs on solar and every watt-hour is spoken for, because this is the cheaper litre to make; you have no generator and no intention of fitting one.

Get a quote on the Newport 400C

Common questions

Which is more efficient, the Frame AC 100L, auto or the Newport 400C?
The Newport 400C, at 4.5 watt-hours per litre against 13.9. Over 100 litres a day that is a difference of about 939 Wh.
Which makes more water, the Frame AC 100L, auto or the Newport 400C?
The Frame AC 100L, auto, at 90 L/hr against 64. That is 1.4 times the output per hour running.
Which is cheaper?
On indicative pricing the Frame AC 100L, auto at $12,131, about $2,369 less than the other. Both figures exclude freight, duty and installation, and Australian dealer pricing normally reads higher.
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