Combi boiler brands ranked

QuintonS

Trying to decide on which combi boiler to go with and would love to see how you guys rank combi’s by brand

hot_rod

So many share the same components, it comes down to installation, proper service, and parts availability.

What brands are common in your area? Where are they sold?

But you never know going forward, two of the biggest names, biggest brand following, recently left the business almost over night.

You’d like to think the big names have staying power.

Personally I have had excellent luck with Lochinvar. I’ve know the family and team for a generation. Their takeover by AO Smith has not lead to issues. Hopefully they stay customer focused.

I feel the more the owner knows about their boiler, learns basic service procedures, the better the experience.

pecmsg

A bad tech can screw them all up equally.

GroundUp

The name on the box means a whole lot less than the name on the installer's truck.

You generally want to stay away from the cheap, big box store branded combi units like Rheem, Ruud, Noritz, etc but anything that comes through wholesale is pretty equal with the proper install. Do some research to find what's supported locally and make your decision from there, but I would still be more concerned about the contractor than the brand name. I really like the Lochinvar and Burnham offerings as far as a combi is concerned, but that is merely a preference from someone who offers proper installation of those units.

Ironman

A lot depends on your water condition. If you have hard water, it’s gonna require frequent chemical cleaning which can be costly.

Generally, you’re almost always better off using a heating boiler with an indirect water heater. The upfront cost is more, but far less maintenance and greater longevity.