Head to head · updated 5 September 2026

Schenker Zen 50 vs Water Makers Australia Performance Single 80L · 12V feed

Zen 50 costs 4.2× less energy per litre (4.8 against 20.1 Wh/L). Performance Single 80L · 12V feed makes 1.6× the water per hour (80 against 50 L/hr). Performance Single 80L · 12V feed is about $1,399 cheaper on indicative pricing.

One side of this comparison rests on a reported figure. Water Makers Australia Performance Single 80L · 12V feed is published by the manufacturer and corroborated across independent lookups, but we have not yet read the figures page-in-hand the way we have for the rest of the table. The comparison is shown because it is still the best available, not because it is settled. Nameplate estimate: 1.5 kW high-pressure motor rating plus 110 W feed pump. This is not measured total running draw; the motor rating may describe shaft output rather than electrical input. How we source figures.

SpecZen 50Performance Single 80L · 12V feed
BrandSchenkerWater Makers Australia
Output50 L/hr80 nominal L/hr
Power draw240 W1,610 W
Energy per litre4.8 Wh/L20.1 Wh/L
Run time for 100 L2.0 h1.3 h
Energy for 100 L480 Wh2,013 Wh
Power source12/24V DCAC 240V
ConfigurationModularModular
Membranes2 × 2.5×21in1 × SW30-2540
Indicative price$7,800$6,401
Efficiency rank6 of 3434 of 34

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 Zen 50 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 Zen 50

Buy the Performance Single 80L · 12V feed 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 Performance Single 80L · 12V feed

Common questions

Which is more efficient, the Zen 50 or the Performance Single 80L · 12V feed?
The Zen 50, at 4.8 watt-hours per litre against 20.1. Over 100 litres a day that is a difference of about 1,533 Wh.
Which makes more water, the Zen 50 or the Performance Single 80L · 12V feed?
The Performance Single 80L · 12V feed, at 80 L/hr against 50. That is 1.6 times the output per hour running.
Which is cheaper?
On indicative pricing the Performance Single 80L · 12V feed at $6,401, about $1,399 less than the other. Both figures exclude freight, duty and installation, and Australian dealer pricing normally reads higher.
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