Oilies! What's the best domestic oil system boiler?

[TBServices]

As above ^^^^

By the way, I'll not be installing it, just speccing it.

 

[Best]

Everyone has their own ideas & often based on what they are used to.
I think the Grant Vortex is good. As a system boiler, I prefer just to keep the system & sealed components (expansion vessel, pump etc) outside the bolier, so I just use standard type boiler.
Reasons I like Grant Vortex? -
Price is reasonable.
Effficiency is one of the best you can achieve - some are 93 %.- 97%, depending on size.
Servicing is fairly easy compared to other makers.

 

[Silent Dancer]

Everyone has their own ideas & often based on what they are used to.
I think the Grant Vortex is good. As a system boiler, I prefer just to keep the system & sealed components (expansion vessel, pump etc) outside the bolier, so I just use standard type boiler.
Reasons I like Grant Vortex? -
Price is reasonable.
Effficiency is one of the best you can achieve - some are 93 %.- 97%, depending on size.
Servicing is fairly easy compared to other makers.

Grant boilers aren't great on a pressurised system. The sides walls of the shell bow under excessive pressure clamping the baffles in hence the reason they've got a 2.5 bar pressure relief valve.

Also I don't believe Grant's efficiencies. Can never get the reading on the analyser to match, usually 3% off.

I think the new Worcester Danesmoor system boiler is great. Easy to install and simple to service.

 

[SimonG]

I dont like the Grants, although I do like Bests comments around keeping stuff away from the boiler.

Akways liked the Worcesters, but their customer service now extracts the urine.

I honestly like the Warmflows. Never had any issues.

 

[morganb]

I also always fit regular boilers with sealed kit external unless space is really limited. I normally fit Grant, although will sometimes go with Warmflow. The only preference I have for Grant is the metal flue is more robust than the plastic Warmflow one. I've also fitted Mistral but wasn't to keen on the baffles. Wouldn't touch a Firebird or Worcester.

I don't think any oil boilers are particularly impressive, there's certainly no make that is head and shoulders above the others.

 

[SimonG]

Mistral, shudder Only once, never again.

 

[SimonG]

Its always going to be a personal choice, the only thing with oil is that you dont have that great a choice.

 

[Dotty]

I'd go with warmflow too. Of them all they're the only ones that don't fill my heart with dread when they've been ignored for a few years

 

[morganb]

Mistral, shudder Only once, never again.

I had the pleasure of the one and only mistral I've fitted sooting up. I think it was only then I realised what horrors the main baffles are. I do like the condensing baffles though, very similar (but better) to the Grant vortex.

I'm haven't found a oil boiler that I'm loyal to yet. I remember reading about a man who makes oil boiler, (proper business) does anyone have a clue who I'm on about?

 

[TBServices]

Just had a look at warmflow, they look good.

Biggest problem I have is flueing, he wants the boiler in the middle of the house, flued through the garage. Looks like warmflow has a balanced flue?

 

[Best]

I'd go with warmflow too. Of them all they're the only ones that don't fill my heart with dread when they've been ignored for a few years

Lol! Yes, I know what you mean, but Warmflows condensing boilers can still be a pain to service if overdue a service. Their standard eff boilers not so bad, especially the older type with basic 2 or 3 baffles.
Any of the well baffled Grants - HE or Multipass or Euroflames I warn people they need cleaned every year.
I had to service a Warmflow HE a few months back which was serviced regularly by a firm. I am impressed I said, when I noticed the record said new heat exchanger gasket, but when I opened it all the main baffles were rotted through.
I hate Warmflows because of past experience of many leakers. Dont like the baffles having to be staggered by me, don't like the seperate heat exchanger door with gasket or their thermostats.
Warmflows eff rating, by their own spec, is only slightly above 90%.

 

[lame plumber]

I'd stick the boiler in the garage out of choice, stinky things . Nothing worse than having to sheet up a house to get to their boiler in the first floor airing cupboard, just after they have laid all new cream carpets and we missed the service last year I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TBServices]

It's a new build. He's only built a small garage so he's looking to keep it empty.

There's a space in the large utility for boiler, cylinder and manifolds.

Only other option would be an external boiler, what's the pros and cons of this?

 

[Dotty]

That's the way to go Tom. They can come with their own enclosures. Take a look at Warmflow's Kabinpaks.

 

[TBServices]

I'd would have expected that idea to be unpopular!

How do the boilers stand up to the weather, insects, wildlife etc?

 

[Dotty]

No problems at all mate. Designed for it!

Oil boilers are far more rufty tufty than their gas equivalents.

 

[TBServices]

Look perfect.

 

[lame plumber]

just make sure the concrete pad is big enough for someone to put their tools on to service them though, no one thinks about the bloke servicing them!

 

[Gray0689]

Grant then warm flow

 

[mark_mc]

i would again with Gray, grant vortex is the best oil boiler on the market for domestic

 

[Killy Bing]

Put it outside!

makesure you have perm live to it for its frost stat.

you could even spec heating feed to go onto its own mcbo so if they sod off on holiday over xmas, fridge trips then the boiler wont end up as an iceblock. I like grant and warmflow but i think firebird are decent if you put them on a little plinth

in all honesty the differences between most modern oil boilers is actually minimal unless you're servicing them on a daily basis.
unless its a worcester heatslave or a mistral....

oh i do like grants proper flues

 

[Nuttyboy]

Fit loads of grant boilers .can't beat them.

 

[lame plumber]

beat the Mrs not the boiler, stupid boy!

 

[Bunker]

just make sure the concrete pad is big enough for someone to put their tools on to service them though, no one thinks about the bloke servicing them!

And stick an IP44 plug socket there for my hoover please

Im a Worcester man these days, the new stuff is very nice. Grant are OK too except as mentioned above, the baffles get tight and the chamber door seals always rot away. I wouldnt fit anything else.

 

[TBServices]

Well, so far you've all mentioned different bloody boilers! Thanks guys!