Gas Boiler Recommendations?

[IC3]

Hi all, what 2 functional combi gas boiler would be a good choice in terms of reliability and good warranty?

I'm currently looking at 2 boilers: Viessmann Vitodens 050-W and slightly more expensive Vaillant ecoTEC pro VCW 236/5 - Does anyone have any experience with either boiler brand or model?

Edit:
Just to add, I'm helping to sort gas boiler for an elderly family member abroad, I suppose some factors like servicing, parts availability, price etc. will also have an impact on decision making.

The prices abroad form authorised dealers after conversion are:

- Viessmann Vitodens 050-W B0KA - £745

- Vaillant ecoTEC pro VCW 236/5-3KW - £1280

Valiant is nearly twice the price, both brands have authorised sellers/services within a reasonable distance meaning that parts and technicians/engineers with knowledge of these boilers wouldn't be a problem.

I recently spoke to my mate who also mentioned Valiant, he recently had to change it to WB as they no longer made parts for his Valiant, but it was robust. Viessmann seems to have a really good rep abroad and the tech which I spoke to about changing boilers has recommended it. Price is tempting, but I suppose you can't put a price on piece of mind.

 

[IC3]

What type do you want? Heat only? System? Combi?

My brother used to work in Service and Repair for British Gas, so installing new boilers and servicing existing ones. He tends to swear by Vaillant above others.

Combi, its for a 2 bed house. Few people in the trade told me that Vaillant is worth the extra cash for piece of mind, so that's good to hear!

 

[IC3]

TBH I don't think you can go wrong with either a Baxi or Valliant

Which model of Baxi do you have?

 

[IC3]

First off, where abouts is abroad?

The reason being is that the brands differ depending on location.

In Spain ferroli, saunier duval and junkers are considered as top boilers.

Ferroli are not considered in good light in the UK,

In Italy ferroli and vokera are considered as top quality boilers.

Vaillant appears to be readily available across the continent so that might be the best brand to look into. But I would always say to stick to local knowledge for ease of servicing and support

Poland

 

[IC3]

That's because he works for BG and he'll install whatever makes him the most money.

OP, get a Viesseman, but get one with the Weather Comp sensor.

The boiler I listed is compatible with the sensor, so will add that to the cart. Thanks

 

[IC3]

Forget weather compensation, you want OpenTherm.

I spoke to the guy who will be doing the boiler switch along with some maintenance work and he said the weather compensation sensor is useless, he suggested a indoor controller with a temp sensor would work better. Not sure if that's what OpenTherm refers to? I need to read up on it to educate myself...

 

[IC3]

Need my boiler replacing soon as well, how did everyone get theirs ordered/fitted?

Though a local trader, one of the online ones or such?

The guy who will be doing all the external and internal new installation told me, he doesn't make profit from the boiler and it'll be £200 cheaper to buy online, he's happy to go buy it without charging extra. He seems like an honest guy, he knows the work will be done for an elderly person that isn't made out of money.

I did a bit of research and went for a reputable shop that had a good price and decent customer service along with good presence on the market. Same principal I follow for any purchase I make outside the known sites like bay or rainforest.