What boiler do I buy?

Joe1 · 19 February 2009 at 3:26PM

I am about to purchase a new boiler, my present one is a Myson Apollo that is about 23yrs old and have been advised to buy a condensing boiler.
I have a detached three bedroomed hse with 13 radiators, all but three of them have trv's, I have a power shower and a hot water cyclinder.
Can anyone suggest what is the best boiler and what type should I buy pls. ?

craig777 · 20 February 2009 at 9:18AM

Well if you've been thinking about converting to a combi boiler, I'm pretty sure you'd have to lose your power shower as these can't be used with combi's - someone with more knowledge than me will hopefully confirm that.

So replacing your existing boiler with the same 'type' boiler would be the easiest route to take.

Worcester or Vaillant brand boilers seem to be highly regarded if you look around the forums.

jimbo_the_jetset · 20 February 2009 at 9:31AM

Surely the best person to advise would be a local Corgi reg plumber who can see your set up, assess what you require and advise accordingly? Preferably get 3-5 quotes.

By all means use this forum to assess quality/reputation of brands but don't use it as a definative buying guide. And remember the cheapest quote is not always the best, good qulaity workmanship will always cost that bit more than a 2 bit cowboy job

coolagarry · 20 February 2009 at 9:50AM

We were in the same position as you about 3yrs ago. We went for a Vaillant and are really pleased with it. It's wall mounted so we can use the floor area that used to be occupied by the old boiler.

craig777 · 20 February 2009 at 10:06AM

If you're set on a particular brand of boiler, then go to the manufacturers website and find an approved installer in your area.

jasmin10 · 20 February 2009 at 10:35AM

We have just had ours upgraded to a Worcester Bosh one. If you go on the Worcester Bosh website there is a drop down box questionnaire thing and when you answer the 5 questions it gives you the recommended one. I also looked on there website for a recommended installer. They supplied and fitted the new combi plus 7 trvs for £1,600

emrysdavies · 2 March 2009 at 10:14PM

I am also trying to decide on which combi to buy. I have had some quotes but the quoter tends to favour the boiler with which he is familiar or gets the best discount. I like the Vaillant ecoTec Plus 831. Is this fairly silent and easy to operate. I don't mind spending the extra if I get a good product. Your constructive views are very welcome.

brownbake · 2 March 2009 at 11:13PM

I have heard an old broiler from Tescos is good

Robbo77 · 3 March 2009 at 10:49AM

Buy a Worcester-Bosch boiler folks. They are the market leader for a reason. Best boilers and best after sales service ive come accross in the business. Also, if you put your details (postcode etc) into the Worcester website, you will get a list of accredited installers in your area. I know a lot of people are fans of Vaillant. Dont have a bad word to say about them but the majority of new boilers where i live seem to be Worcesters.

lesw · 3 March 2009 at 11:33AM

Don't get a Worcester Bosch, I have had mine a year and it as been nothing but trouble. After sales service is good, but I think I got a lemon because it is constantly springing leaks, once it had a seal broke and fountains of water came gushing out, almost brought down the ceiling. I had an accredited installer as well. I would get a different make if I had the choice again, I fell for the hype in the Worcester Bosch brochure.

Robbo77 · 3 March 2009 at 11:47AM

Thats the joy of buying a boiler, or any electrical product. One man's dream machine is another man's nightmare. Simple rule of thumb, worcester or vaillant. The rest are more trouble than they are worth.