Steam boiler - Burnham, Weil McLain or Utica

Jim_101

I am replacing an oil-fired steam boiler with another oil-fired steam boiler. I have spoken to a number of contractors and they all have their preferred boiler manufacture. Each of the contractors have said their preferred boiler is a Burnham or Weil McLain or Utica. No agreement on the best boiler among the contractors I have spoken with.

I would consider the Burnham MegaSteam, but the contractors don’t know seem to know that much about it because it is just released for sale.

I was wondering what you folks think is the best steam boiler for reliability, serviceability and durability? What would you recommend?

What is the reliability you folks have seen in the field with the elastomer seals Weil McLain uses to seal the connections between the boiler sections?

The connected load is 180 sq ft steam. The smallest boiler from all the manufactures looks over sized. The Weil McLain SGO-3 is oversized by the largest amount; it provides 354 sq ft steam. The Burnham V83 provides 283 sq ft steam and the Utica SFH-365s provides 246 sq ft steam.

What is the preferred method in this case to match the boiler to the connected load? Down fire the boiler or leave the firing rate alone?

I will not be using the boiler to provide domestic hot water.

Thank you for your advice.

Steamhead (in transit)

I'd go with the Mega-Steam

even though it's brand-new, since it comes from a first-class company. Given its design, it will be more efficient and more durable than anything else out there.

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Jim_101

Steamhead

I would want you to install the MegaSteam if you were in the Boston area.

Thank you for your advice.

Jim_101

Steamhead

I would want you to install the MegaSteam if you were in the Boston area.

Thank you for your advice.

Steamhead (in transit)

We have

many good steam men in your area who could install the Mega-Steam. Have you tried the Find a Professional page of this site?

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alex_11

Steamhead,is burnham the best.I am in the midst of a replacement too.How do mclien rates.The contractor on my side is pitching for weil.

Steamhead (in transit)

Of the two

I'd prefer Burnham. That said, if it has to be a knock-down the W-M with its gaskets is easier to put together. In such cases we usually use W-M.

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