Ideal Boilers Reviews: The Best Ideal Combi, Regular & System Boilers For 2024

If you’re considering buying an Ideal boiler, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your home.

Do you need a combi, regular, or system boiler? How powerful does it need to be? How important is the efficiency rating?

We’ve put together this list of Ideal boiler reviews to answer all of these questions and much more. We use our own expertise and a carefully considered set of criteria to determine the best Ideal boilers based on crucial factors like output ratings, warranty length, and efficiency ratings.

The 4 Best Ideal Combi Boilers

First up, we’re going to take a look at the best Ideal combi boilers. There are several benefits to choosing a combi boiler over a regular or system boiler, such as:

• Size: A combi boiler doesn’t require any external storage tanks which makes them compact and easy to install. This means they’re ideal for smaller homes and apartments.
• Hot water on demand: There’s no waiting around for storage tanks to refill as they heat water on demand. You simply turn on a tap and get instant hot water.
• Cost-effective: As combi boilers don’t need additional components, like cold water tanks and hot water cylinders, they tend to be slightly less expensive than system and regular boilers.

Here’s our list of the best Ideal combi boilers.

1. Ideal Logic Max 35 Combi

The Ideal Logic Max 35 Combi boiler has a central heating (CH) output of 24.2 kW and a domestic hot water (DHW) output of 35.3 kW. This is pretty powerful for a combi boiler and it means that it can meet the demands of a medium to large home with up to two bathrooms.

This Ideal combi boiler has an efficiency rating of 94% and an Energy-related Product (ErP) A rating. So, it should help you to keep those energy bills down.

If you register the Ideal Logic Max 35 combi within 30 days of installation, it has a 10-year warranty.

It also works with the Ideal System Filter and can be paired with the Halo Combi Wi-Fi thermostat.

2. Ideal Logic Combi 30

The Ideal Logic Combi 30 has the same CH output as the Logic Max 35 combi but a lower DHW output of 30.3 kW. This makes it suitable for a central heating system with 10 to 15 radiators. However, unlike the top combi boiler on our list, it can only handle one bathroom.

The warranty is also much shorter than the Ideal Logic Max 35 Combi at 2 years but it has the same energy efficiency ratings as our top-rated boiler. The only reason it’s second on this list is its lower DHW output.

3. Ideal Logic Max C30 Combi

Next up on our list of the best Ideal boilers is the Logic Max C30 Combi which has a CH output of 25.6 kW and a DHW output of 30.3 kW. As with the Logic Max 35 Combi, it can comfortably supply medium to large homes with up to two bathrooms.

It has a 94% efficiency rating and an ErP A-rating making it just as efficient as the other combi boilers on our list. Plus, when paired with the Halo Combi Wi-Fi thermostat it can achieve an A+ ErP rating.

The Logic Max C30 Combi is gas-powered but can be converted to LPG. It also features a large digital display making it very user-friendly.

4. Ideal Logic Combi 24

The Ideal Logic Combi 24 (as you might have guessed from the name) is the same model as the Logic Combi 30 but with a lower output. Its CH and DHW outputs are both 24.2 kW. So, it can handle homes with up to 10 radiators and one bathroom.

Its 2-year standard warranty can be extended to 7 years if it’s installed by an Ideal Accredited Installer.

As with the other Ideal combi boilers on this list, it’s very compact and can be wall-mounted in a kitchen cupboard.

The 3 Best Ideal Regular Boilers

Next, we’re going to take a look at the best regular boilers that Ideal offers. Also known as conventional boilers, regular boilers heat water supplied from a cold water tank and then store the water in a hot water cylinder, ready to supply your home. This means that regular boilers don’t have a DHW output rating, and their power is measured solely by CH output.

They’re great for larger homes with a high demand for hot water; however, they’re more complex and expensive to have installed.

Here’s our list of the best Ideal regular boilers.

1. Ideal Logic Max Heat 30 kW

The Logic Max Heat has a maximum heating output of 30 kW so it’s a great choice if you have a large home with a high hot water demand.

As long as you register the boiler within 30 days of installation and have it serviced annually, the warranty is 10 years.

It’s compatible with green heating systems like hybrid and solar thermal systems. It also has a 93% efficiency rating which means it’s ErP A rated.

Plus, this Ideal boiler has been awarded the Quiet Mark which indicates it makes minimal noise and contributes to a peaceful home environment.

2. Ideal Logic+ Heat H12

The Ideal Logic+ Heat H12 has a maximum CH output of 12 kW, making it by far the least powerful regular boiler on this list. This is low for a regular boiler and means it can only supply heat to a home with up to 10 radiators.

On the plus side, it has a 93% efficiency rating and is ErP A rated. It also comes with a backlit LCD display, boiler frost protection, and several flue options so it can be installed almost anywhere in the home.

It has a standard warranty of 7 years and, unlike the third-placed boiler on this list, can be wall-mounted.

3. Ideal Mexico HE MEX 30 Regular Gas

The Ideal Mexico HE MEX 30 Regular Gas has a maximum CH output of 30.1 kW. This makes it the perfect Ideal boiler for large homes with up to 20 radiators.

It’s fairly compact for a regular boiler and is floor-standing which means it can easily fit in the corner of a room. It requires little maintenance; however, an efficiency rating of 88.5% makes it the least efficient regular boiler on our list (which is why it’s in last place).

It also only has a 2-year warranty which is far shorter than the warranties for the other Ideal boilers on the list.

The 3 Best Ideal System Boilers

Unlike a regular boiler, a system boiler heats water directly from the mains rather than relying on a cold water tank. The hot water is then stored in a hot water cylinder and is used to supply your home’s central heating system and faucets. Like regular boilers, system boilers don’t have a DHW output rating.

They can supply multiple taps and showers with hot water simultaneously which makes them a great option for homes with more than one bathroom and lots of radiators.

If you’re considering buying a new boiler for a large home, then a system boiler could be the best choice for you.

Ideal doesn’t have quite as extensive a range of system boilers as other boiler brands. Still, Ideal’s system boilers are some of the best on the market.

1. Logic Max System 30

This is the best system boiler in the Ideal Logic boiler range, and the best Ideal system boiler overall. It has a maximum CH output of 31 kW, making it the perfect option for large homes with high hot water demands.

One of the best things about the Logic Max System 30 is its compact size. Although many Ideal boilers are designed for easy and discrete installation, it’s slightly surprising to find a system boiler that can fit neatly inside a cupboard.

Well, that’s exactly what you get with this sleek Ideal boiler.

It’s fitted with an Ideal System Filter which helps to maintain and protect the boiler, and it’s equipped with a high-resolution colour screen. If you choose this as your new boiler, you’ll even get service alerts on the screen when it’s time to book one.

Plus, like several other Ideal boilers, the Logic Max System 30 is compatible with hybrid and solar thermal systems.

When you add in the fact it has a 93% efficiency rating, a 10-year warranty, and a Quiet Mark stamp, it’s easy to see why we chose this as the best Ideal system boiler.

2. Vogue Max System 32

The Vogue Max System 32 has a maximum CH output of 32 kW which means it’s slightly more powerful than the Logic Max System 30. However, it has a lower efficiency rating of 91% and isn’t compatible with any green heating technologies.

Still, there are plenty of positives. It comes with a 10-year standard warranty which can be extended to 12 years if you have your Ideal boiler installed by a Max Accredited Installer.

It’s also compatible with a wide range of Ideal controls, like the weather compensation kit and the Ideal Heating Electronic Thermostat, and is fairly compact for a system boiler.

Like the Logic Max System 30, it has a large digital display that makes it very easy to use, and it will alert you when it’s time for a service.

To be honest, there’s not a huge amount to separate the top two on this list and either one would be a good choice if you have a large home.

3. Logic+ System S30

The last Ideal boiler on our list is the Logic+ System S30, which has a CH output of 31 kW. It’s not a new boiler and has been around for quite a while but it remains one of the best Ideal boilers on the market.

In fact, it’s won multiple awards, including Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended Status in 2013 and 2017, and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2013.

It can comfortably handle homes with two bathrooms and a central heating system with 15 to 20 radiators. It has a 7-year warranty for parts and labour and a heat exchanger warranty of 10 years. Additionally, it can be converted to run on LPG and has built-in boiler frost protection.

In terms of its cost-saving and environmentally-friendly credentials, it has a 93% efficiency rating and is ErP A rated. As with the other system boilers on our list, it’s compact and can fit inside a cupboard.

While it’s not a brand-new boiler, the Logic+ System can still compete with the best!

Why Choose An Ideal Boiler?

So, you’ve read our list of the best Ideal boilers on the market. Yet, you may still be wondering why you should go for an Ideal boiler over other options like a Baxi or Worcester Bosch boiler.

Here are the reasons you might want to choose Ideal when looking for a new boiler.

Brand reputation

When searching for a new boiler, the first thing you should assess is the reputation of the brand, and this is an area where Ideal excels.

On Trustpilot, Ideal has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 41,000 customer reviews. This is better than both Worcester Bosch and Vaillant (another reputable brand), who have 4.6 and 4.4 ratings respectively.

Many of the 5-star reviews on Trustpilot focus on Ideal’s excellent customer service and the prompt response times of Ideal’s engineers.

On Which?, the reviews indicate that 85% of Ideal customers were happy with their boiler purchase and 83% would recommend the brand to other potential customers. Ideal also has a 75% overall customer score on the site.

Price

When compared to other boiler brands like Vaillant and Worcester Bosch, Ideal boiler prices tend to be very competitive. For example, the least expensive Ideal combi boiler is the Ideal Logic Max Combi C24 which you can find for £859 (not including VAT and installation).

On the other hand, the cheapest Vaillant combi is the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Combi, which costs around £1,102, and the cheapest Worcester Bosch combi is the Greenstar 2000 30 kW, which costs about £1,007.

However, some Ideal boilers are more expensive than competing products from other brands, and you always need to factor installation costs into the overall price of a boiler. Generally speaking, Ideal boilers tend to be more cost-effective than the products from other leading brands.

Good warranties

While some Ideal models like the Mexico HE MEX 30 Regular Gas only have short, 2-year warranties, most of its boilers come with much longer ones.

Typically, the warranties are between 7 and 12 years. They cover repairs, parts, labour, and full boiler replacements. All of this is free of charge if the issue arises as a result of electrical or mechanical breakdown due to faults with the installation or materials.

Yet, for the warranty to be valid, you need to register your boiler within 30 days of installation. If you don’t, the warranty may only be valid for one year.

Reliable engineers

Ideal has a network of specialist engineers across the UK. These engineers are Gas Safe registered and specifically trained to install, service, and repair Ideal boilers.

As mentioned, many customer reviews mention the prompt and reliable service they received from Ideal engineers when they’ve experienced issues with their boilers.

Wide range of smart controls

Ideal offers some of the best smart boilers on the market and many of them are compatible with a wide range of smart controls, including:

• The Ideal Halo App: Any Ideal boiler with remote connectivity can be paired with the Ideal Halo App. This allows you to control your boiler’s settings from your smartphone or any other digital device. It includes features such as room temperature maintenance and instinctive time updates.
• Ideal Logic+ / Vogue2 RF Electronic Programmable Room Thermostat: This tool is compatible with Ideal Vogue and Logic combi boilers. Its features include holiday settings and instinctive forecasts.
• Ideal Halo Heat & System 2-Zone Extension Control: This has the same features as the Ideal Halo App but also offers 2-zone control for central heating.

How We Chose The Best Ideal Boilers

Whenever we review a brand’s boilers, we set out the same clear criteria that a product needs to satisfy to appear on our list. The primary criteria are CH and DHW output ratings, energy efficiency ratings, and length of warranty, as we believe these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a new boiler.

Here are the methods we used to assess how well the Ideal boilers on our list satisfied the criteria.

Customer reviews

We used customer review sites like Trustpilot and TrustRadius to identify the most reliable and recommended Ideal boilers. We looked out for reviews that mentioned the most important aspects of a boiler, like its efficiency, power output, and additional features.

We also assessed how customers rated important criteria such as a boiler’s user interface, compatibility with smart controls, noise levels, price, and size.

Independent testing bodies

In addition, we also evaluated how Ideal boilers performed in impartial reviews from independent testing sites like Which?. This site is particularly useful as it compiles data from both customer reviews and feedback from engineers.

This gives us access to unbiased, expert opinions on how well a boiler performs once installed and how likely it is to need repairs.

Other independent bodies like BEAMA (British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers Association) served as useful resources too, giving us objective data on the best Ideal combi, regular, and system boilers.

How To Choose The Right Ideal Boiler For You

While all the boilers on our list are great options, the one that’s right for you depends on your specific circumstances and requirements. These are the most important factors to consider when making your choice.

Home size

When talking about boilers, home size refers to the number of radiators and bathrooms you have in your home. This is crucial as it determines the amount of power you’ll need from a boiler to meet your hot water demands.

Here’s a general guide to follow when you’re working out the output levels you’ll need:

Combi boilers

• Up to 10 radiators and 1 to 2 bathrooms: CH output of 24-27 kW and DHW output of 24-27 kW
• Up to 15 radiators and 1 to 2 bathrooms: CH output of 28-34 kW and DHW output of 28-34 kW
• Up to 20 radiators and 2 to 3 bathrooms: CH output of 35-42 kW and DHW output of 35-42 kW

Regular boilers

• Up to 10 radiators and 1 bathroom: CH output of 9-18 kW
• Up to 15 radiators and 1 to 2 bathrooms: CH output of 18-26 kW
• Up to 20 radiators and 2+ bathrooms: 26-40 kW

System boilers

• Up to 10 radiators and 1 bathroom: CH output of 9-18 kW
• Up to 15 radiators and 1 to 2 bathrooms: CH output of 18-26 kW
• Up to 20 radiators and 2+ bathrooms: CH output of 26-40 kW

Budget

Of course, one of the biggest determining factors in your choice of boiler will be your budget, and the price of an Ideal boiler varies massively depending on the model and where you buy it from.

You can buy Ideal boilers for as little as £600 but they range up to around £6,000 – and that’s without installation costs.

The cost of installation also varies greatly depending on the service provider. Generally, you can expect to pay between £2,200 and £3,300 to have your boiler installed.

So, you need to factor both the cost of the unit and the installation into your budget and decide on the most affordable option for you.

Efficiency rating

Boilers with high energy efficiency ratings are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. For instance, if a boiler has a 94% efficiency rating, it means 94% of the energy it uses is converted into usable heat, and only 6% is wasted.

If a boiler has a high-efficiency rating, it costs less to run and can save you money on your energy bills.

Generally, the boiler you choose should have an efficiency rating of at least 92%, as this is the required level to achieve an ErP A rating. This will help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and reduce your gas bills.

Warranty

Ideal boilers are built to last but there’s always the chance that something could go wrong at some point. That’s why it’s important to assess the length of a boiler’s warranty.

Generally, Eco Happy recommends looking for boilers with warranties between 7 and 12 years. You should also pay close attention to what’s covered under the warranty as some warranties cover parts and labour but not full boiler replacements.

Compare Boiler Installation Costs With Eco Happy

As we mentioned earlier, you need to consider installation costs when budgeting for your new boiler. However, it’s time-consuming to trawl through all of the available installers to find the best price. That’s where we come in.

Eco Happy is the UK’s leading independent boiler comparison service and you can use our tool to quickly compare installation quotes for your new boiler. This includes quotes for installing boilers from the biggest brands like Ideal, Vaillant, and Worcester Bosch.

It takes less than 30 seconds for you to compare quotes and ensure you’re getting the best price on the market, so contact Eco Happy today.

FAQs

Are Ideal boilers better than Worcester Bosch boilers?

While the Ideal brand has better ratings on sites like Trustpilot, it doesn’t necessarily mean that its boilers are better than Worcester Bosch boilers. Both brands offer reliable and competitively priced boilers and have wide ranges of combi, regular, and system boilers.

Like Ideal, Worcester Bosch’s boilers are powerful and highly efficient and tend to have long warranties. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is the best boiler brand for you.

Does Ideal make oil and LPG boilers?

Yes, although the boilers on our list are gas-powered, Ideal also offers boilers powered by oil and LPG. Plus, some Ideal boilers like the Logic Max C30 Combi can be converted from gas to LPG.

How do I register my boiler to make sure the warranty is valid?

To ensure your warranty is valid, you can register your boiler via the Ideal Heating website, by asking an installer to register it on your behalf, or by calling the Ideal customer service team. You must do this within 30 days of your boiler being installed for the warranty to be valid.

Final Thoughts

Ideal’s range of products includes industry-leading combi, regular, and system boilers. They have high power outputs, great efficiency ratings, long warranties, and are so varied that there’s a boiler to meet the requirements of almost any home.

Still, there are several different factors to consider when choosing the right Ideal boiler for you. Remember, the size of your home and your budget need to be taken into account when making your decision. While a combi boiler with a low output might be suitable for an apartment, it won’t be able to satisfy the hot water demands of a larger home.

Whatever your needs, we’re confident one of the boilers on our list could be the perfect option for you.