OSO Hotwater
Norwegian manufacturer of stainless steel water heaters, known for smart, durable and energy-efficient hot water solutions.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
OSO Hotwater is a Norwegian industrial brand that has manufactured water heaters and storage tanks since the 1930s. The company traces its origins to Oslo Sveisiebedrift (Oslo Welding Company), which in 1932 produced Norway's first autogenous welded storage tank. Over the following decades OSO expanded its product range from welded cooking pots and wood boilers to copper-lined storage tanks, integrated heating units, and — in 1968 — became the first in the world to produce stainless steel storage tanks, a material choice that remains central to the brand's identity. The company's product lines have included the TRIPLEX, COMPACT, NORTHEM, SUNSAVER, PROGRESS, TURBO, MAXI, ECO FOAM, ENERGY SAVER and OPTIMA series, each introducing new standards in efficiency, capacity or installation simplicity. Today OSO Hotwater serves three main markets: residential, commercial and marine/offshore. Its residential range includes the SAGA 2.0 series of stainless steel domestic hot water cylinders, available in Standard, Express and Supercharged variants, with sizes from 40 to 80 US gallons. The OSO Charge smart controller adds IoT connectivity, allowing users to monitor and control their hot water system via an app. Commercial products span stainless steel water heaters from 300 to 15,000 litres, while the marine line supplies the demanding marine and offshore industries. The brand emphasizes energy efficiency, low heat loss, durable stainless steel construction, leak protection, and a 10-year warranty on residential products. OSO Hotwater Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of the OSO Hotwater Group, based in New Brunswick, Canada. The Canadian operation markets OSO's products across Canada and has recently expanded its distribution network, naming HTS as exclusive distributor for Ontario and partnering with Ram Marketing for the Prairie provinces. In June 2025, LG Electronics acquired the OSO Group, bringing the Norwegian water heater specialist into a global home appliance and consumer electronics conglomerate. OSO Hotwater continues to operate as a brand under LG, maintaining its Norwegian heritage and focus on stainless steel hot water technology.
History
OSO Hotwater's history began in 1932 when Oslo Sveisiebedrift (Oslo Welding Company) produced Norway's first autogenous welded storage tank. In 1935 the company added welded cooking pots and wood boilers to its range, followed in 1938 by the development of wood-burning boilers that provided both heat and hot water. During the war years, in 1941, production shifted to potato collector cogs and planting equipment. After the war, in 1945, the company resumed production of copper-lined storage tanks ranging from 200 to 50,000 litres. In 1955 OSO introduced provision storage tanks that tripled capacity while taking only half the space. The late 1950s saw the launch of the "TRIPLEX" and "COMPACT" heating units for oil and wood/electrical units in 1957, and the "NORTHEM" integrated heating unit and storage tanks in 1959. The 1960s brought further innovation: in 1968 the company introduced the "SAFE" triple-valve and surface-mounted thermostat, began producing heaters heated directly by electricity, and became the first in the world to produce stainless steel storage tanks, significantly increasing lifespan. This stainless steel focus would become a defining feature of the brand. The 1970s and 1980s continued the pattern of innovation. In 1979 the "SUNSAVER" solar-heated storage tanks were launched. In 1980 top-mounted mixing valves became standard, resulting in resource savings. In 1984 the tank-in-tank unit "PROGRESS" water heater line was introduced for heat pumps, and in 1985 the "TURBO" system with plate exchanger revolutionised heat-up times. In 1999 the "MAXI" large storage tanks (500–1000 litres) became an industry standard. In 2001 the warranty on the stainless steel pressure tank was doubled. In 2004 the new "ECO FOAM" insulation was introduced, saving more than 500 million kWh over 10 years. In 2007 "ENERGY SAVER" for grey water reuse delivered significant energy efficiency savings, and in 2008 the OPTIMA series tripled capacity and increased efficiency for all heat pumps. OSO Hotwater Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of the OSO Hotwater Group, based in New Brunswick, Canada. The Canadian operation markets OSO's residential, commercial and marine water heating products across Canada. In June 2025, LG Electronics Inc., a global leader in home appliances and consumer electronics, acquired the OSO Group. The acquisition brought the Norwegian water heater specialist into a larger corporate group while maintaining the OSO brand and its Norwegian manufacturing heritage. In 2026 OSO Canada expanded its distribution network, naming HTS as exclusive distributor for Ontario in March and partnering with Ram Marketing for the Prairie provinces in February.
- 2026
OSO Canada names HTS as exclusive distributor for Ontario and partners with Ram Marketing for the Prairies.
- 2025
LG Electronics acquires the OSO Group.
- 2008
OPTIMA series triples capacity and increases efficiency for all heat pumps.
- 2007
"ENERGY SAVER" for grey water reuse results in huge energy efficiency savings.
- 2004
The new "ECO FOAM" insulation saves more than 500 million kWh in 10 years.
- 2001
The warranty is doubled on the stainless steel pressure tank.
- 1999
The "MAXI" large storage tanks 500–1000 litres become industry standard.
- 1985
The "TURBO" system with plate exchanger revolutionises heat-up times.
- 1984
The tank-in-tank unit "PROGRESS" water heater line introduced for heat pumps.
- 1980
Top-mounted mixing valves become standard, resulting in huge resource savings.
Products and positioning
Premium, energy-efficient stainless steel water heaters with smart technology, durability and long warranties.
SAGA 2.0 Standard
More energy efficient ultra-low heat loss, smart ready and solar-friendly. Sizes: 40, 50 & 80 US gallon.
SAGA 2.0 Express
More energy efficient ultra-low heat loss, twin electric elements heats water 3x faster. Sizes: 40, 50 & 80 US gallon.
SAGA 2.0 Supercharged
Integrated smart functionality, more energy efficient ultra-low heat loss. Sizes: 40, 50 & 80 US gallon.
OSO Charge R2
IoT controller designed for installation together with OSO SAGA S/SX water heaters.
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