EFM or Burnham

Robert Rehm

I have two estimates for a new boiler. One guy is proposing an EFM PK-440 and the other is proposing a Burnham MPO 147. From a contractor standpoint, I prefer the one offering the EFM, but want to make sure this is a good choice from a boiler standpoint. I appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
Robert

Robert Rehm

efficiency

also, just noticed that the Burnham is 87% efficient, but the EFM is only 85.5%. Will that make a difference in annual oil cost?

Unknown

Robert

You will most certainly be saving fuel with the 87% MPO boiler, but most importantly you should bear in mind that there are other tremendous differences between these boilers. Here are a list of those differences.

MPO is Cast Iron - EFM is Welded Steel

MPO is a Cold Start Boiler - EFM has a coil and maintains temperature 365/24/7

MPO has full access burner swing door - EFM has no swing doors

MPO has Beckett burner w/cover to reduce mechanical noise and to connect combustion air to - EFM does not

MPO has internal mixing device to allow for cool return water - EFM does not and requires external bypass piping

MPO has Electronic High Limit, provisions for Low Water Cutoff and Auxiliary High Limit and has plug in wiring - EFM has standard aquastat control

MPO requires no chamber nor target wall - EFM has combustion chamber

MPO has Limited Lifetime warranty - EFM has ?????

MPO comes with very detailed 64 page Installation Manual - EFM comes with an 8 page Installation Manual

There are certainly other differences as well but the point I am trying to make here is that you need to compare apples to apples. Hope this helps.


Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

U.S. Boiler Co., Inc.

B. Tice

EFM

I am an EFM dealer. The EFM boiler has a great track record,I work on many that are more than 30 years old. Burnham's track record is shakey.Many leakers.
The 440 does not have a coil.
I feel the welded steel construction is an asset, not a liability.
The EFM combustion chamber is extremely tough, very rarely needs replacement.
The 440 is proven for over 15 years, the MPO is not proven.

Bottom line is, if you feel good about the EFM dealer, go with him.

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[Deleted User]

Burnham hasn't had a problem with the V8 series that I know of. Besides, they stand by their product. The problem with the leakers shows how committed they are to fixing their stuff. And most importantly, I think Burnham is a great boiler to service and is a company here to stay.

[Deleted User]

By the way, why can't the contractor you like put in a Burnham for you?

Robert Rehm

don't know

I just assumed that contractors only worked with the products from companies that they resell. I guess I could ask.

Unknown

Bill

No disrespect intended whatsoever in my comparison post....just the facts as this individual wanted to know the differences and whether one would save more fuel than another. I would have provided the same comments if he was inquiring as to the differences between the mpo and one of our steel boilers such as the RSA or LE or maybe one of our New Yorker products. But as long a you have chosen to respond with malicious comments, I have a question for you. What is the warranty policy of the EFM boilers? There is no reference to anything regarding warranty on their website.

Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

U.S. Boiler Co., Inc.

B. Tice

??

I was just stating facts you you did.Yes, there is a history of leaking castings and yes, the MPO is unproven. I did not say anything was "bad" or call anyone names.
The warranty is lifetime and 5 years parts.


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Robert Rehm

steel or cast - what's the pros/cons

I really know nothing about boilers. What are the pros and cons of steel vs. cast? Are there any articles you can direct me to on the web? I sat on my two estimates all summer and decided to make a decision last weekend, but here I am still undecided.