what is the best residential steam boiler?

Anthony-

Everybody has their own opinion as far as best goes. In my experience, it ususally depends on the supplier, and how well they treat the contractor. I tend to use Weil or Burnham, but in my neck of the woods, that's because my suppliers that rep them are stand-up folks, and if I have warranty issues, I DON'T HAVE warranty issues-if you get what I'm saying. Most of the residential gas boilers I've seen are pretty much the same. I think the most important thing is how it's piped once it's in the boiler room-that makes all the difference in the world.

Just my opinion...

Everyone has an opinion. Mine are:

Burnham's are well made and fantastically easy to clean if you plan on servicing it yourself. It's a real plumber's boiler. There have been some concerns of others about their quality slipping and they are fefinately cutting corners these days, but they are still my favorite. Nice people there, too.

Dunkirk makes a quality casting, well engineered boiler at a slightly lower price. I own several and will swear by their quality though they take half a day to disassemble and clean.

I wouldn't think of buying a boiler without iron nipples between the sections. Most manufacturers use a type of rubber stuff instead.

Long Beach Ed

steam boiler

take a look at this v78,10 years old.....i'll take my chances with wm and those rubber gaskets.

Jamie's right,drop headers,vented mains and radators. b4 to look @ a boiler get Dan;s book "Got steam heat" its a must for every HO looking to replace that old steamer.And finding the right person th install it.