Combi Boilers

ConfusEd_2-2

Hi,

new to this forum and so may not have found the best place to put this query, however I was wondering if anyone had any experience/advice in terms of which brand of boiler to go for. Have done various research through Which and other forums as well as recommendations from traders as well as friends and family, however the advice seems quite variable!

The trader we are likely to go with is happy to fit the brand that we would like, however when asked, would suggest Ideal because it is one that he uses himself and has found it to be good, as well as being the one he fits most regularly without any problems being reported from previous customers. The trader seems genuine and honest, whilst it doesn't feel like they are pushing Ideal for any other reason than their experience, they score very highly on trust a trade.

When researching Ideal online, there seems to be a lot of negativity, however it seems to be that Ideal produced some dodgy boilers in the past but may be making better models now.

The model suggested to us is an Ideal C35, does anyone have experience with this particular boiler? Would anyone suggest a different model (had also been suggested a Worcester Greenstar however was told that parts and servicing for Worcester is generally more expensive)

macman

Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Viessmann are usually the 3 names at the top of the list, but every RGI has his own preferences based on experience. Not many seem to rate Ideal.

Seronera

I don't rate Worcester Bosch as anything special, just a good mid range boiler sold at a premium price. For reasons I can't explain or understand Which seem to have an on going love affair with them. They are awful to work on. Everything is crammed in and you slice your fingers on sharp edges. Viessmann are well made but parts prices crucify you. They won't sell you a Printed Circuit Board, just a full control panel at nearly £400....so off my shopping list these days. Vaillant are probably the best compromise of the bunch but their PCBs are not that good and fail too regularly for what claims to be a quality product..

Given the Ideal Logic is outselling them all in the UK and has been selling for five years with no major problems and good backup, the number of installers who do rate them is a lot higher than you might think. The Independent is based on the Logic heat engine and should be fine. I always recommend the Logic Plus as it carries a seven year warranty and the screen is more informative than the lesser models and customers like that. The Logic Plus may be a few more quid to buy, but I think is worth it.

To be honest you won't go wrong with any of them, but Ideal bashing is so yesterday. They also do a premium boiler called the Vogue. I havn't seen one but its a bit a Vaillant crib. I'm told its very good, but doesn't sell that many as everybody buys the Logic for its value.

Ideal produced one range of boilers (Isar/Icos) you could describe as a very poor design and its become a stick to beat them with. I've been servicing and repairing boilers nearly 20 years and Ideal are as good as any out there, and the elegantly designed internal arrangement on the Logic/Independent put most to shame with its simplicity and good access to components.

ey_up

We had similar experience to you - every installer had a different opinion. In the end opted for an Ideal Logic Plus as the Worcester/Vallant/Viesman were much more expensive. Its been in three years, which I know is young for a boiler, but no issues so far.

ConfusEd_2-2

Hi all,

Thanks for your comments, they are very helpful! Got someone coming to give a second quote so may see what they suggest as well!

Procrastinator333

WB for me. Last place we had a new WB. Developed a fault after 18 months - but it had a 5yr Parts & Labour Guarantee. One phone call and they came and sorted it no fuss at all.

Our new place we went for WB again, but used an accredited installer and a special filter and the impact of that is getting an 8 year guarantee.

Can't comment on others, but our WB have worked well and the only fault we had was fixed quickly under guarantee by WB.

cajef

WB for me also ours is six years old and apart from its annual service has never missed a beat.

The company we bought it from are a local accredited WB installer and they recommend them though they will fit other makes if someone insists.

Talking to their service engineer at the last call he states that parts for them are readily available and once you are familiar with them they are not particularly difficult to work on or repair if any problems do occur