On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:41:03 -0800, ismangil wrote:

I need a new boiler.

Gotta be condensing nowadays, no choice on that. Don't want to change
from my current conventional open vent system. Current sizing of 18kW
is OK.

After reading the new boiler FAQ, reading through specs and so on...
the shortlist was down to Viessmann Vitodens 100 and Vaillant ecoTEC
Plus 418.

I am currently leaning on Viessmann due to smaller size and perceived
better build due to its 10 yrs heat exchanger warrany. I say perceived
because maybe all heat exchanger lasts this long anyway!

However, I realized that the Viessmann seems to be less "popular" than
Vaillant (which in turn is of course less popular than Baxi or
Worcester-Bosch.. but I digress).

In fact as listed on Viessmann.co.uk I can't find "installers" listed
in my area, although I'm sure in general most CORGI engineers will be
able to fit it just fine.

So, as a final sanity check, whatddya all think, do I opt for more
"pop" and go for the Vaillant or stick to my guns and specify
Viessmann to my local friendly installers?

Frankly the heat exchanger is the least likely component to go wrong on a
condensing boiler. In both cases they are stainless steel. The _boiler_
could probably handle dilute hydrochloric acid as a primary working fluid.

I've been tempted to install a Viessmann a couple of times and have quoted
it as an option. The local "cash & carry" boiler merchant stocks Keston,
Baxi, Biasi and Vaillant. The shop at the bottom of the road can get me
most boilers by noon next day. With the smaller makes spares availability
could be an issue.

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html
Choosing a Boiler FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/BoilerChoice.html