Ideal Boiler Reviews 2021

Ideal Boiler Reviews 2021

Ideal has been manufacturing boilers for over 100 years – they started life way back in 1906 in East Yorkshire.

Their focus has always been and is still on delivering products high on quality, innovation, and value to end users and installers.

The basics

There are three types of new boiler for most homeowners to choose from – system, regular and combi.

Both system and regular boilers require storage facilities for the hot water they produce (a major space stealer) whereas combi boilers heat water almost instantly as it’s needed for hot water and for your radiators.

Gas combi-boilers are the best choice for most residences as they are cheaper to run, more environmentally friendly, and they take up the least amount of space. 

In this review of Ideal gas combi boilers in 2021, we’ll cover:

• who Ideal is
• what a combi boiler is
• the key stats you need to know about combi boilers and what they mean
• the top 10 Ideal boilers according to HomeSage’s exclusive grading guide
• Ideal vs other manufacturers – what do customers think?
• Ideal’s top 5 small gas combi boilers up to 27kw
• mini-reviews of Ideal’s two gas combi boiler models for medium sized properties

In this article, we’ve scored each gas combi boiler we’re reviewing with our exclusive grading system to help you make an informed choice.

We’re HomeSage – we work alongside a network of trusted, established Gas Safe boiler installers up and down the UK.

We help to save you up to 54% on the total cost of the supply and installation of your new boiler – simply fill in a form anywhere on this page.

Once you have sent us your details, we forward these on to three local boiler installation companies in your area.

These companies are keen to give you the most competitive quote to win your order and some customers have reported a 54% difference between the highest and lowest quotes, so shopping around is always worthwhile!

Who is Ideal?

Ideal Boilers is a British company and they’ve been manufacturing heating systems since the 1920s.

They were originally called The National Radiator Company but, today, they go by the name ‘Ideal Boilers’ and they produce a wide range of combi-boilers, heat only boilers and system boilers. 

What is a combi boiler?

Unlike a regular or system boiler which is installed in either two or three parts, a combi boiler is a one-piece boiler, they’re relatively small and, in most cases, they can be mounted on a wall. 

Cold water from the mains travels through your combi boiler to something called a heat exchanger which is powered by a gas ignition.

Whenever you turn the heating on or you want hot water to come from your taps, the exchanger heats it up instantly and on demand.

This is useful as you don’t have to wait for a tank of water to heat up as you would with a system or regular boiler.

Combi-boilers are both cost-effective and energy-efficient. They are cheaper to install than regular or system boilers as you don’t need extra pipe work and they don’t waste as much energy as older units so your heating bills will be lower.

As you don’t need to connect a combi boiler to a water tank in your loft, there’s also no worries about frozen pipework in colder weather.

Check out our article on the best combi boilers on the market!

Key combi boiler stats

The best boiler for your property depends on how many radiators you have and your usual hot water usage. Here are the three key stats you need to know.

Combi boiler flow rate

The flow rate describes the amount of water which can pass through a boiler in a minute.

The higher the flow rate, the higher the volume of hot water you can get quickly – perfect for filling up your evening bath.

Flow rate also depends on the mains supply in your area.

If you can only get 10 litres per minute, that’s the maximum you can get through the taps even if the flow rate on your boiler is 15 litres per minute.

Combi boiler output

The output is measured in kW and this refers to the amount of energy the boiler uses to do its job.

To work this out, you multiply the specified output by the price of a unit of gas.

So, to work out the equation for a boiler with an output of 35kW using gas at a price of 4p per unit, the sum would be 35 x 4p which equals £1.40 an hour. 

It’s important to choose the right output rate for the size of your home – too high and you won’t save money on your gas bill, too low and you won’t get the power or heat you need.

Combi boiler energy efficiency rating

As with any modern domestic appliance, boilers have energy efficiency ratings.

The classification system uses the letters A to G with A being the best with a rating of 90% efficient or above.

If your boiler is only 70% efficient or lower, it would be classed as a ‘G’ rating and your energy bills will be much higher than they really need to be.

The energy efficiency rating is worked out by what percentage of energy the boiler uses to do its job, and what percentage is used by the boiler itself.

The percentage used by the boiler is referred to as ‘lost’ energy and it can be anywhere from approximately 40% to 6% depending on how efficient the boiler is.

Combi-boilers are more efficient than system or regular boilers and most modern one are generally either class A or B.

The higher the efficiency, the less money you are wasting powering the boiler itself.

Ideal’s top ten gas combi boilers

There are over 750 boilers on the market today so it can be really hard to make the right choice for you.

Ideal currently offer 14 different models of gas combi-boilers and, here at HomeSage, we have created a unique online scoring system for each of these models and ranked them in order based on:

• their efficiency rating,
• their output rate,
• their flow rate,
• the length of warranty,
• the price, and
• Genuine user ratings as sourced from Trustpilot that reflect the number of reviews for that manufacturer and their average score

According to our HomeSage scoring methods, our top ten Ideal gas combi-boilers ranked as follows:

How does Ideal compare with other manufacturers?

We also checked out the top British boiler manufacturers on Trustpilot to see how highly customers thought of them and Ideal finishes in sixth place for the number of reviews online.

They come in at joint eight on their average review score alongside Baxi and Intergas.

If a company has more reviews but the same average score, we automatically place them higher on the table.

What do customers on TrustPilot say about Ideal?

Happiness with the product

Out of over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot, Ideal Boilers have an overall rating of ‘excellent’. 87% of users rated them either ‘excellent’ or ‘great’, and 10% rated them ‘poor’ or ‘bad’.

Here, we have included a few recent reviews from genuine Ideal Boiler customers:

• On the 20^th June 2020, Martin H reviewed that “Ideal provided me with quick, efficient service. The technician who came to the house was on time, quick to remedy the problem and make the repair. Throughout he was professional and kept me informed as to what he was doing. Certainly would buy another boiler from Ideal.”

• Judith Dixon stated that she ‘purchased my Ideal Logic + Combi c30 boiler in 2018 when we refurbished the house. I am delighted with my purchase and have found my boiler efficient and easily adjustable. When I had my boiler serviced I found the engineer most polite and helpful. Precautions were also taken to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. I can recommend Ideal boilers with my experience of their product’ on the 19^th June 2020.

• On the 13^th May 2020, Raymond Fleming reviewed that he ‘had Ideal combi boiler fitted 2 months ago. Very disappointed. It’s noisy, hot water takes a while to come through and water is cloudy – not what I expected.’

The guarantee period and after-sales service

The length of guarantee with your Ideal boiler depends on the product you choose.

The Logic + Combi range has a guarantee of 7 years as standard whereas the Logic Max Combi and Vogue Gen2 Combi both come with a 10-year guarantee.

The Vogue Max Combi has a market-leading 12-year standard guarantee.

Here, we have quoted a small selection of recent Trustpilot reviews in which customers share their impressions of the after sales service Ideal Boilers offers.

• Nooralla Kassam reviewed Ideal on the 19^th June 2020, saying that “after buying the boiler forgot to register 5 yrs’ guarantee but the company were very understanding in coming out to repair the boiler after 2yrs and extended the guarantee for 3 more yrs. After paying late registration fees, staff and service engineers were very friendly and supportive. Well done, Ideal boiler company’.

• On the 17^th June 2020, Val Derby stated that ‘We had a recurring problem with our boiler, it needed filling every few days. Ideal boilers were very helpful and sent engineers to try and track the fault. They were persistent and finally the 4th engineer sorted it out. All staff were very helpful and swift to turn out and always in contact to reassure us. Excellent service.’

• Bejoy Sudevan reviewed on the 3^rd April 2020 that ‘I installed an Ideal boiler on 13 March 2020. The boiler produced an abnormal noise from day 1. I contacted the service department and they sent an engineer. He came and replaced 3 parts. He couldn’t sort out the issue – he said he needed to replace more parts and needed to order them. He left and I contacted customer services again to explain the situation and to request a replacement boiler. They said they can’t help. I am totally disappointed with my Ideal boiler”.

Ideal’s top 5 gas combi boilers up to 27kw

If you live in a smaller property like an apartment or a 1 or 2 bed terraced house with 10 or fewer radiators and just one bathroom, a boiler with a 27kW output is likely going to be the best choice for your home. 

Ideal Logic Max C24 Boiler (86.43% HomeSage score)

The Ideal Logic Max C24 is a compact boiler with the same features as the Logic Plus but with an additional Ideal System Filter that means your boiler will last even longer.

It is 700mm x 395mm x 278mm so it will easily slot into a standard kitchen cupboard unit out of sight.

It has a large lit display making it easy to use and the gloss white finish is scratch-resistant.

This boiler has a 10-year guarantee as standard and is made in the UK.

Ideal Logic Max C30 Boiler (86.30% HomeSage score)

Measuring 700mm x 395mm x 278mm, the white finish of this boiler is hard-wearing and scratch resistant. 

As with many of the Ideal Boilers, it comes with a 10-year guarantee and it is both ERP water and heating compliant.

It has a great energy efficiency rating scoring a grade ‘A’ at 94% efficient. This is a good boiler to choose if you want to reduce your monthly gas bills.

Ideal Vogue Max C26 Boiler (86.15% HomeSage score)

This is a premium boiler, handmade in the UK with premium components and suitable for when only the best will do for your property. 

The Vogue Max range of boilers all come with a 12-year guarantee so you have ultimate peace of mind.

There is a backlit LED display that allows you to clearly set your required hot water and heating needs, that is cleverly disguised behind a fold-down cover.

This boiler is slightly bigger than others by Ideal with dimensions of 740mm x 445mm x 330mm.

Ideal Logic Max C35 Boiler (85.98% HomeSage score)

The Ideal Logic Max C35 enjoys the same benefits as the Logic Plus models with an additional Ideal System Filter meaning your boiler is set to last longer. 

This model is compact in size at 700mm x 395mm x 278mm and it has a grade ‘A’ efficiency ranking.

It includes an LED digital display that allows you to control your heating with ease and the screen also displays the Ideal Boilers telephone number to remind you to book your service when needed.

Ideal Vogue Max C32 Boiler (82.72% HomeSage score)

The newest boiler range from Ideal, the Vogue Max offers a premium product at a fair price.

It has the same benefits as the Vogue Gen2 alongside the addition of the Ideal System Filter so you know your boiler will last a long time.

It has a sleek, minimal design with a concealed control panel and a 3.5 inch full colour digital display.

The boiler itself measures 740mm x 445mm x 330mm so it is slightly larger in comparison to others by Ideal.

The Ideal Vogue Max C32 boiler comes with a 10-year warranty out of the box and you can opt for an extra 2 years if a ‘Max’ accredited installer fits the unit and services it regularly.

Ideal’s two boilers (28-34kw) for medium sized properties

A semi-detached or medium-sized terrace with up to 4 bedrooms should opt for a boiler with an output of between 28kW – 34kW.

These boilers will be able to heat about 15 radiators and supply water to up to 3 running taps at a time.

Ideal Vogue Max C40 Boiler (85.58% HomeSage score)

As with the other Ideal Vogue boilers, this is a premium product and comes complete with a 12-year guarantee. 

The size of this boiler is 740mm x 445mm x 330mm and it benefits from a striking minimalist white finish. The control panel features a full colour display, plain text and graphics, and is hidden by a drop-down cover.  

If you like the sound of this boiler but don’t need as much power, consider the Ideal Vogue Max C32 Boiler which has the same quality components but slightly lower output and water flow rating.

Ideal Vogue GEN2 C40 Boiler (83.84% HomeSage score)

The Vogue range of boilers from Ideal received the Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended award in both 2013 and 2017 and for good reason.

It is a grade ‘A’ energy efficient boiler so your heating bill should be considerably lower after installation.

As with the whole Vogue range, they are not built to be hidden away in a cupboard.

The measurements of this particular boiler are 740mm x 445mm x 330mm and it is a sleek, white boiler with a concealed LED colour display panel. 

This boiler would be easily able to handle the heating hot water requirements of a 3-bed property with 2 bathrooms. 

Save up to 54% on your new gas combi boiler

You can save up to 54% of the cost of the supply and the installation of your new boiler by leaving your details with us at any of the forms on this page.

We will contact three or four local, trusted and Gas Safe regulated engineers with your query who will get in touch with you for a free quote and relevant advice.

Our service is completely free for you and it is no obligation – there is no pressure to accept any of the offers from our partner installers if you decide not to go ahead.

Still unsure of what type of boiler, from what manufacturer, is best for you? Why not check out our other post on the best boilers in 2021 or the HomeSage Advice Hub for more info!